FBI investigation targets alleged bribery scheme involving Lindsey Graham

An FBI investigation into bribery on Capitol Hill has centered on a 2020 meeting between Senator Lindsey Graham and executives from the Hawaiian naval defense contractor Navatek. According to statements made to federal agents by Navatek CEO Martin Kao, Graham allegedly agreed to steer a $10 million government contract toward the company in exchange for $100,000 in campaign contributions.

Kao reportedly confessed to federal agents that his business model involved bribing public officials for government contracts, often providing worthless research in return. In addition to Graham, Kao identified other influential South Carolina politicians, including Representative James Clyburn and Representative Joe Wilson, as being involved in similar cash-for-contracts arrangements.

While the FBI opened a sweeping investigation into these activities in early 2025, reports suggest that previous shifts within the FBI during the Trump administration may have impacted the progression of the inquiry.