Feds seek $12.5 million in California assets allegedly linked to Philippines corruption
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Federal authorities are trying to seize $12.5 million in Southern California property and assets from a businesswoman they claim amassed a fortune by bribing corrupt officials in the Philippines.
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a forfeiture complaint Tuesday. Authorities want assets they contend Janet Lim Napoles bought for herself and her daughters with a decade's worth of money intended to fight poverty.
The assets include a motel near Disneyland; properties in Covina and Irvine; money from the sale of a Los Angeles luxury condominium; a Porsche and a stake in a California-based consulting company.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Napoles allegedly used bribes and kickbacks to siphon off Philippine government development funds.
She is serving up to 40 years in prison in the Philippines for illegally detaining a whistleblower.