Zohran Mamdani Referred to DOJ Over Alleged Foreign Campaign Contributions
A campaign‑finance watchdog has filed two criminal referrals against Zohran Mamdani, a leading candidate in the New York City mayoral race, alleging that his campaign accepted illegal donations from foreign sources.
The complaints, submitted by the Coolidge Reagan Foundation (CRF) on Tuesday, were sent to both the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office. According to CRF, Mamdani may have violated the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) and New York election laws.
Allegations in Detail
Between December 2024 and September 2025, CRF claims Mamdani’s campaign received at least 161 contributions from individuals listing foreign addresses, totaling over $12,000. Reported addresses include Dubai, Australia, Turkey, France, Canada, and Germany.
One donation under scrutiny was reportedly a $500 contribution from Mamdani’s mother‑in‑law, who is said to reside in Dubai. Records indicate the donation was refunded four days after the campaign became aware.
CRF asserts many contributions lacked verifiable employment or residency information, complicating efforts to confirm if donors were U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or foreign nationals. In CRF’s view, these are “not isolated incidents or clerical errors” but a sustained pattern of foreign money entering a New York City mayoral race.
Legal Framework
Under FECA (52 U.S.C. § 30121), foreign nationals may not contribute directly or indirectly to U.S. elections. It is also illegal to knowingly solicit or accept such contributions. Violations can result in civil fines and criminal penalties, including imprisonment if authorities prove the candidate acted “knowingly and willfully.”
CRF’s referral urges a criminal investigation by the DOJ and cites potential violations of New York election law § 17.152, which prohibits conspiracy to influence elections by unlawful means. The watchdog emphasizes that returning donations does not automatically remove liability, since the act of acceptance itself constitutes a violation.
Campaign Response
The Mamdani campaign acknowledged some contributions came from foreign addresses but stated that many donors are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents living abroad, who are legally allowed to contribute.
A campaign spokesperson said eligibility checks are in place and that any impermissible contributions would be promptly refunded. Public records indicate that while some donations have been returned, at least 88 contributions totaling roughly $7,190 remain unrefunded.
As of now, neither the DOJ nor Manhattan DA’s office has confirmed whether a formal investigation or charges are underway.
Implications
The case highlights the risks of foreign-sourced money in U.S. elections, which is prohibited to protect electoral integrity. If prosecutors determine that donations came from foreign nationals and were knowingly accepted, Mamdani could face civil and criminal penalties under FECA, including fines and potential imprisonment.
The situation also underscores the need for rigorous compliance in campaign donations, particularly for contributors with foreign addresses or bank accounts. Politically, the allegations and referrals could affect public trust and voter perception, potentially influencing the mayoral race.