Authorities have conducted searches at the residences of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles and the Miami area as part of a federal investigation into allegations of human trafficking. The investigation, led by the US attorney for the Southern District of New York and carried out by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations' Transnational Organized Crime Division, stems from numerous sexual assault allegations made against Combs in civil lawsuits. Combs has firmly denied these allegations.

Teams of heavily armed agents from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) searched Combs' homes, with some agents even riding in armored vehicles due to concerns that Combs employed armed private security at each of his residences, according to a law enforcement source. The agents were authorized to search for documents, phones, computers, and other electronic devices that may contain relevant data or videos.

The searches are said to be part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking. HSI in New York stated that they executed law enforcement actions in cooperation with local law enforcement and HSI units in Los Angeles and Miami, with further information promised as it becomes available.

Combs, who has faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations in recent months, settled a lawsuit filed by singer Cassie Ventura, his former girlfriend, which accused him of rape, sex trafficking, and other abuses. Combs' attorney emphasized that the settlement was not an admission of guilt and that Combs continues to deny all allegations.

Another lawsuit, filed by Joi Dickerson-Neal, accused Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1991, as well as engaging in revenge porn. In December, an anonymous woman referred to as Jane Doe filed a federal suit alleging that Combs had sex trafficked and gang-raped her when she was 17 years old. Most recently, one of Combs' former employees, Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones, filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and leading a criminal sex trafficking organization.

Armed law enforcement officers were spotted at Combs' residences in Los Angeles' Holmby Hills neighborhood and Miami Beach's Star Island. At least one armored law enforcement vehicle was observed at the Los Angeles property, and agents were seen processing paperwork outside the Miami-area home. HSI investigators concluded their search at the Star Island property late Monday evening.

The investigation, headed by HSI, focuses not only on human trafficking but also on transnational crime, terrorism, narcotics smuggling, and other forms of organized criminal activity.

As this is a developing story, further updates are expected.