Feds Investigate $19M Yacht Sale Brokered By Santos

The New York Times reports:

A $19 million luxury yacht deal brokered by Representative George Santos between two of his wealthy donors has captured the attention of federal and state authorities investigating the congressman’s campaign finances and personal business dealings.

The sale, which has not been previously reported, is one of about a dozen leads being pursued by the F.B.I., the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn and the Nassau County district attorney’s office, people familiar with the investigation said.

Prosecutors and F.B.I. agents have sought in recent weeks to question the new owner of the 141-foot superyacht — Raymond Tantillo, a Long Island auto dealer — about the boat and his dealings with Mr. Santos, including his campaign fund-raising efforts.

The Daily Beast reports:

Auto magnate Raymond Tantillo purchased the 141-foot luxury vessel—which comes complete with an infinity pool and a waterfall—from Mayra Ruiz last November, according to a Times source.

In the weeks before his election, Santos allegedly negotiated the multi-million-dollar payment and advised both parties on the logistics of transferring ownership of the boat.

Election law experts say the sale could have breached campaign contribution rules if it was designed to pump cash into Santos’ campaign.

A $19 million luxury yacht deal brokered by Representative George Santos between two of his donors has caught the attention of authorities investigating his campaign finances and personal business dealings.https://t.co/mWcMcuo1Em

— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 15, 2023