NEW YORK — Representative-elect George Santos is under investigation by federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York, a law enforcement source confirmed to NBC News Thursday.
The investigation is said to be in its early stages and has not yet focused on any allegations of wrongdoing. But the source confirms that prosecutors are looking into Santos’ finances, including possible irregularities related to financial information and loans that Santos made for his campaign during his run for Congress.
Danielle Hass, a spokeswoman for the US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, declined to comment, NBC News reported.
News of a federal investigation into Santos comes just a day after Long Island prosecutors announced they were launching an investigation into the 34-year-old after revelations surfaced that the now-embattled Republican lied about his heritage, education and professional pedigree while campaigning for office.
But despite growing doubts about his suitability to hold federal office, Santos has thus far shown no sign of stepping aside, even as he has publicly admitted to committing a long list of inventions.
Santos’ campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
He was due to be sworn in next Tuesday when the US House of Representatives reconvenes. If he takes office, he could face investigations by the House Ethics Committee and the Justice Department.
The Republican admitted to lying about having Jewish ancestry, a Wall Street pedigree and a college degree, but still faces other lingering questions, including the source of what appears to be a rapidly amassing fortune despite recent financial woes, including including evictions and thousands of rent arrears.
