A panel of 12 federal agencies has opened an investigation of Smartmatic, the parent company of Sequoia Voting Systems, after Chicago alderman, Edward Burke and New York congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney raised concerns about American elections being conducted by foreign entities with possible malign influence.
The focus of the inquiry reportedly is Sequoia parent company Smartmatic Corp., which has been linked to the leftist government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the Chicago Tribune reports.
The investigation is being conducted by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the same panel of 12 government agencies that reviewed an attempt by a company in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to take over some operations at six American ports.
Investigators are trying to determine whether the Venezuelan government has any control or influence over the company’s operations, government officials and others familiar with the probe said.
Sequoia-made voting equipment has been purchased by 17 states and the District of Columbia.
CFIUS is made up of the following entities:
- Department of the Treasury (chair)
- Department of Justice
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Defense
- Department of State
- Department of Energy
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
- Office of Science & Technology Policy
The following White House offices also observe and, as appropriate, participate in CFIUS’s activities
- Office of Management & Budget
- Council of Economic Advisors
- National Security Council
- National Economic Council
- Homeland Security Council
Source:
1. CFIUS Overview | U.S. Department of the Treasury
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