Sheng Thao, the recalled former mayor of Oakland, California, has been named in federal allegations involving a prostitution and "pay-to-play" scandal, according to prosecutors. The claims add to the fallout from her turbulent tenure, during which the city faced heavy criticism over rising crime and the proliferation of homeless encampments, and come after she was previously ousted from office by voters.

Federal investigators allege the scheme involved corrupt dealings connected to Thao's administration, though full details of the specific charges were not set out in the available report. The case forms part of a wider federal probe into Oakland city hall that had already led to an FBI raid on Thao's home and scrutiny of contracts awarded during her time as mayor.