The Coolidge Reagan Foundation (CRF), a campaign finance watchdog group, has referred New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to the Justice Department over allegations of illegal foreign contributions. The foundation filed two criminal referrals, claiming the Democratic nominee received nearly $13,000 from at least 170 donors outside the United States, violating laws restricting political donations to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

A review of Mamdani’s campaign finance reports revealed the unauthorized funds, prompting CRF president Dan Backer to accuse the candidate of a “sustained pattern” of accepting foreign money. “This was a clear violation of federal law and New York City campaign finance rules,” Backer stated. He added that Mamdani’s campaign ignored repeated warnings about the violations.

Mamdani’s team countered that 31 of the 170 donors had proven U.S. citizenship or legal residency, while the remaining $9,500 in donations were refunded. The CRF also highlighted that Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg have been notified of potential violations of federal election laws and New York Election Law § 17.152, which prohibits conspiring to promote elections through unlawful means.

CRF Chairman Shaun McCutcheon emphasized the need for an immediate investigation, stating that foreign contributions “dilute the voice of lawful American voters.” The foundation called for accountability for those involved in the alleged misconduct.