Susan Collins was eyed in an FBI probe of Navatek donations, ProPublica reports

ProPublica reported that the FBI’s anti-corruption squad at one point “eyed” Sen. Susan Collins in an investigation of campaign donations tied to the defense contractor Navatek, the outlet wrote on Sept. 22, 2026.

ProPublica said the inquiry focused on donations and emails linking Navatek executives and others to political activity that drew the bureau’s attention, and that agents examined whether any payments amounted to illegal influence, according to the report.

A dimly lit conference table with anonymous folders and a closed laptop, a single coffee cup to the side suggesting an overnight review; no identifiable marks

Rolling Stone independently reported the FBI scrutiny and described the probe as linked to alleged illegal campaign donations and influence-peddling tied to Navatek executives, citing the same reporting timeline.

Sen. Susan Collins’ campaign pushed back. Local station WMTW reported that Collins’ staff denied the corruption allegations featured in ProPublica’s story, calling the claims untrue and disputing the characterization of the FBI activity.

An empty Senate-style office chair behind a desk with a generic state seal embossed folder, soft window light through blinds suggesting official response; no logos or names

The ProPublica article said the FBI’s Anti-Corruption Squad reviewed financial records and outreach by people connected to Navatek; Rolling Stone repeated that federal agents had the company and its donors under scrutiny in recent months.

Why it matters: the reporting links federal investigative activity to campaign finance questions involving a Maine senator, which could affect political dynamics in the state and headlines during the 2026 cycle.

For related background on Collins’ recent policy work and Maine-focused issues, see Collins warns $170M in Maine goods hit by Canada tariffs and the site’s overview of regional Senate races in Senate midterm election battlegrounds.

Sources

ProPublica — reported that the FBI Anti-Corruption Squad “eyed” Sen. Susan Collins in a probe of donations tied to Navatek and described agents reviewing records and emails.
Rolling Stone — corroborated reporting that federal agents scrutinized donations and influence-peddling related to Navatek.
WMTW — published Collins’ campaign denial, reporting that her staff called the allegations untrue and disputed the report’s characterization.