A few years ago, a prominent Democrat in California stepped down after being linked to a major corruption and bribery investigation. Melahat Rafiei, who once led the Orange County Democratic Party, resigned following an FBI probe into a scheme involving big-money bribes in exchange for business favors.
This story is still relevant today because it highlights the kind of corruption that government watchdogs, like the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aim to fight. DOGE was established through an executive order by former President Donald Trump and was created to cut down on fraud and waste in government operations. Despite their progress in saving billions and cracking down on misconduct, their efforts have often faced resistance from Democratic lawmakers.
According to FBI records, Rafiei used her influence to try to bribe local officials to pass favorable zoning laws. She was labeled “CW1” (Confidential Witness 1) in the case because she cooperated with investigators. An FBI affidavit stated that she had a plan to collect funds and offer bribes to two Irvine City Council members in exchange for passing cannabis-related legislation that would benefit certain businesses.
The FBI arrested Rafiei in connection with a 2018 corruption case in Irvine. She agreed to work with federal agents and became a key witness. In her defense, Rafiei insisted she wasn’t forced to cooperate, saying, “I chose to help federal investigators to uncover corruption, including among Republican operatives in Anaheim. I wasn’t pressured into cooperating — any suggestion otherwise is false.”
However, not everyone was convinced. One FBI agent involved in the case believed Rafiei wasn’t completely honest. He claimed she withheld information and may have continued to propose bribes while acting as a witness. Since she and the government couldn’t come to an agreement before formal charges, her cooperation has reportedly ended.
In light of the controversy, Ada Briceño, Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, called on Rafiei to resign. “The Democratic Party does not tolerate misconduct,” Briceño said. “We support a full investigation and believe she should step down.”
Still, some Democrats stood by Rafiei, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan. “The FBI’s investigation into corruption in Anaheim is troubling and has shaken public trust,” Khan said. “I support Melahat and believe in our justice system to reveal the truth.”