MIAMI — Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Star Island mansion in Miami was raided by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officials in March 2024 as part of a sweeping federal case against the music mogul, court documents and trial testimony reveal.
Details of the Raid and Seized Items
HSI agents executed a large-scale search involving 80 to 90 officers due to the estate’s size and heavy security. The search began unusually late, at 3:30 p.m., timed just before Diddy left the country.
- Investigators recovered semiautomatic rifles with serial numbers reportedly filed off.
- Photos showed AR-15s stored on shelves, alongside sex paraphernalia, including platform heels, lingerie, baby oil, and condoms.
- The raid yielded weapons, alleged drugs, and other incriminating evidence from various rooms in the 8,000-square-foot mansion.
HSI Special Agent Gerard Gannon testified he personally took part in the operation and was present in nearly every room except the basement.
Legal Charges and Potential Property Forfeiture
In a federal indictment unsealed in September 2024, Combs faces serious charges including racketeering conspiracy (RICO), sex trafficking by force or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Conviction could bring 15 years to life in prison.
Legal experts say the government may seek to seize Diddy’s Miami estate if convicted, depending on whether the property was involved in or purchased with proceeds from criminal activity.
- Criminal defense lawyer Phil Harvey explained the government must prove two things: Diddy ran a criminal enterprise, and the mansion was tied to that enterprise or bought with illicit funds.
- If proven, the mansion may be forfeited by law.
Diddy’s Miami Properties and Defense Position
Diddy purchased his original Star Island home in 2003 for $14.5 million and later acquired the adjacent property, once owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, for $35 million. The combined estates total more than 1.3 acres of prime Miami real estate.
Criminal defense attorney Brian Pakett expressed skepticism about forfeiture of the home, noting Diddy’s successful career likely provided legitimate income to purchase the property.
- Pakett told Fox News Digital, “Typically, forfeiture applies when property was purchased with criminal proceeds. Given Diddy’s legitimate success, he likely will keep the home, even if convicted.”
Diddy has maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
Information sourced from:
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Court Testimony
- Federal Indictment Documents
- Fox News Digital Legal Analysis
