Allegations of Pay-to-Play Scheme Linking Senator Susan Collins and Navatek
- Reports
- 20
- Developments
- 4
- Repetition
- 85%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
A ProPublica investigation alleges that a pay-to-play scheme linked company Navatek to Senator Susan Collins. The report states that Navatek, a defense contractor based in Hawaii, was allegedly approached by company representatives offering significant funds for Collins' campaign in exchange for steering federal contracts toward the firm. The allegations further detail that Navatek received nearly $4 million in federal funding for a 2020 project.
From foreignpolicyjournal.com, bangordailynews.com, turnto10.com
Why it matters
The allegations suggest that while company representatives were soliciting donations, Senator Collins' office was allegedly helping direct government contracts worth millions toward Navatek. The investigation also details that in 2022, the company's CEO, Martin Kao, pleaded guilty to charges related to using a shell company for illegal campaign contributions.
Who's involved
- Susan CollinsU.S. Senator from Maine facing allegations of involvement in a pay-for-play scheme.
How this reaches others
Each traced step by step, with the reporting behind itHow it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.The election battle in Maine is linked to a pay-for-play scheme involving Navatek and a Hawaii defense contractor.1 source
Company donated to Collins' SuperPAC and contracts were steered to the company.1 source
- Potential bribery involving campaign donations related to Navatek seeking government contracts in Maine.Sub-event
Navatek sought federal funding in Maine while Kao recounted a meeting to federal prosecutors.1 source
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Susan Collins
United States Senator from Maine since 1997
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Donald Trump
American businessman and politician (born 1946), President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
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FBI
2018 American crime drama television series