Miami’s elected leaders are facing scrutiny as numerous investigations into possible wrongdoing unfold. This includes the city’s mayor and a commissioner.
According to The Miami Herald, half of the officials in South Florida’s city are currently under investigation. Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla is the most recent to be arrested and suspended due to accusations of bribery and money laundering.
Díaz de la Portilla, along with attorney William Riley Jr., are alleged to have engaged in a scheme to launder $245,000 in campaign funds in exchange for Díaz de la Portilla’s support for a sports complex.
Despite denying the charges, Governor Ron DeSantis suspended the commissioner.
Meanwhile, the FBI is looking into Miami’s mayor, Francis Suarez, who recently concluded a short-lived presidential campaign.
Real estate developer Rishi Kapoor is accused of paying Suarez $10,000 per month as a consultant for a $70 million project and to assist with permit-related issues.
Reportedly, Kapoor paid the mayor a total of $170,000 between 2021 and this year.
Lastly, former mayor Joe Carollo, who now serves as a commissioner for District 3 in Miami, is allegedly involved in a separate investigation.
This inquiry pertains to claims that “several” city politicians exerted “improper influence” over the police force, as reported by the Herald.
All three officials have refuted the allegations against them.
