FBI Closes Investigation Tied to Senator Collins' Close Associate
WHO:
The New York Times - Senator Susan Collins is involved in the investigation.
The New York Times - The FBI's inquiry was focused on a top ally of Senator Collins.
WHAT:
CNN - Maine Democrats are demanding that Senator Susan Collins respond to allegations of a pay-to-play scheme involving a Hawaii-based defense contractor, Navatek.
CNN - ProPublica reported that Navatek's CEO, Martin Kao, agreed to make a campaign donation in exchange for tens of millions of dollars in government contracts.
CNN - Kao sent $150,000 to Collins' campaign fundraising arm using a shell company.
CNN - The alleged actions prompted an FBI investigation that was closed shortly after Trump took office in 2021.
CNN - Collins won her 2020 election against Democrat Sara Gideon by more than 8 points.
The New York Times - The FBI has closed its investigation into a close associate of Senator Collins.
The New York Times - The inquiry was part of a broader investigation into political activities.
WHERE:
The New York Times - The investigation was conducted by the FBI, which operates nationwide.
WHEN:
The New York Times - The FBI's investigation was closed recently, but no specific date was provided.
WHY:
The New York Times - The closure of the investigation suggests that the FBI found insufficient evidence to proceed.
HOW:
CNN - Collins' deputy chief of staff stated that the campaign cooperated fully with the FBI, producing all requested documents and serving as fact witnesses.
The New York Times - The FBI conducted interviews and gathered evidence during the inquiry.
(UPDATED September 23, 2026 19:01 UTC)
Maine Democrats are calling on Senator Susan Collins to address allegations involving a pay-to-play scheme tied to Hawaii-based defense contractor Navatek, whose CEO, Martin Kao, reportedly agreed to make a campaign donation in exchange for substantial government contracts. Kao allegedly funneled $150,000 to Collins' campaign through a shell company, prompting an FBI investigation that was closed shortly after Trump took office in 2021. Collins' deputy chief of staff emphasized that the campaign fully cooperated with the FBI, providing all requested documents and serving as fact witnesses.
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(UPDATED September 23, 2026 09:59 UTC)
The FBI has recently closed its investigation into a close associate of Senator Susan Collins, indicating that they found insufficient evidence to proceed. This inquiry was part of a broader investigation into political activities and was conducted nationwide by the FBI, which included interviews and evidence gathering. Senator Collins is involved in the investigation, which focused on a top ally of hers.