A previously secret FBI bribery investigation involving late Sen. Lindsey Graham is exploding into public view at a politically sensitive moment in South Carolina.
The records surfaced this week as early voting is underway for the senator who will permanently replace him. Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, currently holds the seat and is locked in a competitive race against Democrat Annie Andrews.
President Donald Trump traveled to South Carolina Wednesday to campaign for Darline Graham. At nearly the same time, newly uncovered FBI records were drawing national attention to her brother’s dealings with a defense contractor.
Darline also retained much of Lindsey Graham’s senior Senate staff after his death. That includes staff members who previously dealt with the contractor now at the center of the allegations.
The FBI investigation centered on Hawaiian defense contractor Navatek and former CEO Martin Kao.
Kao told agents that Graham agreed during a private 2020 dinner to help secure roughly $10 million in federal work. Kao alleged Graham wanted $100,000 in campaign support in return.
Graham was never charged and was never formally named a subject of the investigation. His office denied any quid-pro-quo arrangement.
Emails reviewed by investigators showed Navatek was told it needed to commit $40,000 in campaign contributions for the private dinner with Graham.
The company later received federal funding connected to Navy research through the University of South Carolina. Graham’s office supported $9.5 million in funding tied to the project.
FBI agents later found that some language in congressional budget documents closely resembled wording from Navatek’s internal materials.
Internal company records reportedly described Graham as a “key supporter.”
By late 2024, investigators were preparing additional steps in the case. The probe later stalled after personnel changes inside the FBI and Justice Department.
There is no public indication the investigation has been restarted.
The newly released records do not prove Graham committed bribery, and no charges were filed against him.
