Farrah Khan publicly said she cut ties with Melahat Rafiei after news broke she was arrested by the FBI, but city records show Rafiei continued speaking to city staff, indicating it was on the mayor’s behalf.
Tag: Melahat Rafiei
Posted inInvestigative
Democratic Consultant Who Admitted Trying to Bribe Irvine Councilmembers Worked All Over Orange County
While much of the focus has been on Melahat Rafiei’s work in Irvine when she attempted to bribe two council members in 2018, Rafiei had influence all over the county.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Former Irvine Councilwoman Says Democratic Consultant Tried Defrauding Her, Not Bribing
Former Councilwoman Melissa Fox said she never tried to accept a bribe, but she was caught up in a fraud scheme by cannabis consultant Melahat Rafiei, who signed a federal plea agreement for wire fraud last week.
Posted inIrvine
Irvine Won’t Investigate Attempted Bribery of Councilmembers, Waits on FBI
Irvine City Council members split over conducting an internal investigation, with some pointing out it could end up going in circles and others asked to wait for the FBI.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Consultant’s Controversial Plea Deal Spurs Calls for Irvine City Hall Probe, Puts Spotlight on Mayor
One councilwoman is calling for an investigation after a federal plea deal revealed a consultant with ties to Mayor Farah Khan attempted to bribe council members back in 2018, before the mayor joined the council.
Posted inGovernment
OC Democratic Power Broker Admits To Attempted Bribery of Irvine Councilmembers and Attempted Wire Fraud
After she enters her guilty plea, Melahat Rafiei could face up to 20 years in federal prison on wire fraud charges.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
OC Democrat Power Broker Accepts Plea Deal In Wake of Anaheim Corruption Probe
After years as one of the local Democratic Party’s leaders, Melahat Rafiei stepped out of the spotlight when it became public she was a confidential witness for the FBI.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Is the FBI Still Investigating in Irvine?
While city council candidate Kathleen Treseder came out months ago accusing Mayor Farrah Khan and her consultants of corruption, she says the FBI is following up on it.
Posted inWater, Power & Waste
Chaos Grips OC’s Green Power Agency, CEO Under Fire, Files Whistleblower Complaint
Board members plan to discuss firing CEO Brian Probolsky next week just as he files a whistleblower complaint alleging a coup fueled by double dealing.
Posted inIrvine
Irvine Mayor Distances Herself From Former Top Democratic Party Official Involved in FBI Probe
While Farrah Khan initially called Melahat Rafiei a “friend and advisor,” this week she announced Rafiei is no longer working for her mayoral campaign.
