LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — A long-running investigation into Michigan’s economic development grants intensified this week as Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office executed search warrants at the state’s top business agency and a private residence linked to a controversial $20 million grant.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)—which operates on a $90 million annual budget and whose leadership includes several Whitmer-appointed officials—confirmed that investigators arrived at its downtown Lansing office early on June 18, collecting phones from employees as part of what the agency called an “unwarranted and unnecessary” action.
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The timing of the raid raised eyebrows: both Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and MEDC CEO Quentin Messer Jr. were in Australia at the time, promoting Michigan to international investors.
“Interesting that Nessel did that today, as Whitmer is running around Australia with MEDC’s CEO trying to ‘drum up new business for Michigan,’” one user posted on X. “It will also be interesting to see how big the Chinese bribes were.”
Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc noted the same on X: “The search warrants were served while Gov. Whitmer and MEDC CEO Quentin Messer are in Australia.”
According to The Detroit News, the search follows two years of investigation into earmarked grants overseen by the MEDC, including one awarded in 2022 to Global Link, a nonprofit formed just 10 days before receiving the funds.
The group, led by Whitmer appointee Fay Beydoun, spent the money on items including a $4,500 coffee maker, an $11,000 first-class flight, and over $400,000 in short-term salaries. The MEDC canceled the grant in March and demanded $8.2 million be returned, citing “misuse” and nonprofit law violations.
A second grant, awarded to the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association to build a satellite launch site, is also under review.
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Rep. Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers), who chairs the House Oversight Committee, said Wednesday’s warrant reflects deeper concerns.
“They’ve shown they’re willing to spend very questionable money in the past,” Carra said.