Federal Authorities Released Recorded Oakland Corruption Calls
The recordings surface as the former mayor faces charges of conspiracy, bribery, and fraud.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Corruption
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Federal authorities have released recorded telephone calls as part of the corruption case involving former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. The recordings include a 2019 conversation between Thao and a recycling company owner regarding a city contract extension.
Why it matters
The evidence alleges that Thao sought to influence city business in exchange for campaign support and payments to her boyfriend. The case highlights broader concerns regarding integrity in Oakland city government administration.
Four individuals have been charged in the federal indictment, which includes six counts of conspiracy, bribery, and fraud. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The players
Sheng Thao
She is the former mayor of Oakland who was indicted on federal corruption charges.
Andre Jones
He is one of the four co-defendants named in the federal corruption indictment.
David Duong
He is a recycling company co-owner charged alongside the former mayor in the case.
Andy Duong
He is a recycling company co-owner who allegedly discussed city contracts with Thao.
The details
Federal investigators obtained calls in which Thao allegedly advised recycling company owners on meeting preparation to secure a city contract extension while she served as a city councilmember. Thao, Andre Jones, David Duong, and Andy Duong were indicted on charges connected to these activities.
Timeline
Federal authorities recorded a call involving Sheng Thao in 2019.
Sheng Thao was indicted on corruption charges in 2025.
Recorded calls were released in the federal case on September 23, 2026.
The federal trial is scheduled to begin in mid-October 2026.
Legal Context
The case follows a pattern of high-profile public corruption prosecutions within California municipal governments. It marks a significant development in the federal investigation that triggered the 2025 indictment of Sheng Thao.
The public corruption investigation has drawn significant attention to city contracting processes and transparency in Oakland. Residents may see continued legal updates as the case proceeds toward the scheduled trial in October.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the strict federal oversight applied to municipal contracting and campaign financing. Observers should watch for further evidentiary developments as the legal proceedings move toward the trial phase.
What happens next
The federal trial for Sheng Thao, Andre Jones, David Duong, and Andy Duong is scheduled to begin in mid-October 2026.
Further reading
For more background on municipal governance, see our Corruption coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Bay Area.
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