The indictments capped a sprawling investigation that sprung into public view in late June with a series of raids targeting the homes of Thao, as well as the owners of California Waste Solutions, the city's recycling contractor.
Federal prosecutors now say the investigation was focused on a bribery and kick-back scheme, alleged backroom election-season dealings and secret payments from the city's recycling contractor to the then-Oakland mayor's romantic partner.
David Duong, the patriarch of California Waste Solutions, came with his siblings from Vietnam to start a new life and went on to build a recycling empire in Oakland and San Jose.
The Duong family has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local politicians, while maintaining businesses in Vietnam, showcasing their influence over the political landscape in Oakland.
Collection
[
|
...
]