Susan Collins was connected to an investigation that the FBI ended in 2025 involving allegations against a political adviser and a defense contractor accused of using illegal campaign contributions to seek federal contracts.
The inquiry began during the Biden administration and was later closed after senior FBI officials questioned the credibility of key allegations, according to people familiar with the matter.
The inquiry began during the Biden administration and was later closed after senior FBI officials questioned the credibility of key allegations, according to current and former officials familiar with the case.
Investigation Focused on Navatek and Campaign Donations
The investigation centered on Martin Kao, the former CEO of Hawaii-based defense contractor Navatek. Kao told federal investigators that he had discussed ways to get around campaign finance rules with people connected to Collins’ political operation.
Kao had already pleaded guilty to federal charges and is serving an 87-month prison sentence for financial crimes. His cooperation with investigators led the FBI to examine whether political donations and government contracts were connected.
According to the reporting, investigators examined allegations involving Collins’ political network, including fundraiser Scott Reed. The FBI also reviewed financial records, emails and other materials connected to Navatek’s relationships with politicians and political organizations.
Susan Collins : FBI Eventually Closed the Inquiry
By late 2024, investigators were considering expanding the investigation and looking into possible corruption involving several lawmakers. However, the inquiry was shut down in 2025 after senior FBI officials questioned whether Kao’s account could be supported by enough evidence.
Officials familiar with the matter said investigators had not uncovered sufficient evidence to corroborate Kao’s claims against Collins and her advisers. They also acknowledged that additional evidence might have emerged if the investigation had continued.
The timing of the decision has attracted additional attention because the investigation was closed after President Donald Trump returned to the White House and changes were made within the Justice Department and FBI. ProPublica separately reported that the broader anti-corruption investigation was also affected by changes inside federal law enforcement.
Susan Collins Office Denies Allegations
Collins’ office has strongly denied the allegations. Her deputy chief of staff, Annie Clark, described the claims as false and said the campaign cooperated with the FBI by providing requested documents and participating in the investigation.
Clark also said Kao began making accusations against the Collins operation while facing sentencing and argued that the FBI’s decision showed that investigators did not find evidence supporting his claims.
The FBI has also said that an earlier investigation into Collins ultimately found nothing implicating the senator or her campaign. FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson rejected suggestions that Collins was improperly protected.
Investigation Draws New Attention
The disclosure of the investigation comes during a closely watched 2026 Senate election in Maine. The revelation has prompted competing claims about why the inquiry was closed and whether political considerations played a role.
The available reporting does not establish that Collins or her campaign committed bribery. The allegations came primarily from Kao, a convicted defendant seeking consideration for his cooperation, while Collins’ office and the FBI have disputed the claims.
Source : nytimes.com
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