• The FBI has launched a criminal probe into New York AG Letitia James.
• Allegations involve fraudulent mortgage applications dating back several years.
• Justice Department investigation follows accusations from a Trump appointee.
• James denies the claims, labeling them "baseless" and politically motivated.

The FBI has opened a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James regarding allegations of mortgage fraud, as reported by multiple American media outlets. This probe, initiated by the U.S. Justice Department, stems from claims made by William Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, who accused James of having "falsified records" to obtain favorable loans on properties in Virginia and Brooklyn. The investigation is being overseen by the Albany FBI office and the main Justice Department, according to CBS News, SCMP, and AA.

James has vigorously denied these allegations, asserting that they are "baseless." Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated that the investigation appears to be politically motivated retribution from former President Trump and characterized the claims as "long-discredited." He emphasized readiness to counter the accusations with factual evidence should prosecutors truly seek the truth, according to CBS News, SCMP, and AA.

The allegations held against James include claims of misrepresenting a home in Virginia as her "principal residence" while conducting her work in New York, along with using a loan for a property in Brooklyn that is restricted to buildings with four units maximum. This criminal probe represents what is considered the first investigation by the Trump administration targeting a law enforcement official linked to legal actions against him, according to SCMP and AA.