Washington:
A major contributor to President Barack Obama's re-election effort is accused of defrauding a businessman and impersonating a bank official. Donor Mr Abake Assongba gave more than USD 50,000 to Obama this election season. But her past legal troubles, which include unpaid debts, are creating a new headache for Obama's campaign.
The allegations were first reported yesterday by The Washington Post. Its report says Mr Assongba tried to rip off more than USD 650,000 from a Swiss businessman and use the funds to build a multimillion-dollar house in Florida. A campaign spokesman declined comment to The Associated Press but told the Post it reviews issues involving questionable donors. Obama's campaign returned USD 200,000 last month to two men whose brother was a Mexican fugitive wanted by federal authorities.