The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski regarding allegations that he personally benefited from his role as a senior adviser to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to two officials familiar with the matter. The inquiry was initiated following a referral from the DHS inspector general.

Lewandowski, who served in an unpaid, part-time capacity, is under scrutiny for actions taken while working closely with Kristi Noem, the former DHS secretary. He left the department after Noem was dismissed in March. The investigation’s scope has not been publicly specified.

Lewandowski’s attorney, Adam Trigg, disputed any wrongdoing, stating that Lewandowski denies all allegations and has not been contacted by the Justice Department regarding an investigation. Trigg emphasized Lewandowski’s voluntary service to the government.

Lewandowski, known for his earlier role as President Donald Trump’s first campaign manager, reportedly exercised extensive influence within DHS, far beyond his official responsibilities. He often held meetings in Noem’s office without her presence and directed agency officials, playing a significant role in the department’s immigration enforcement policies, including efforts to detain and deport immigrants.

During his tenure, Lewandowski helped advance Gregory Bovino, a midlevel U.S. Border Patrol official, to a senior position overseeing aggressive deportation raids nationwide. Bovino was later removed from his position following the fatal shooting of two protesters during an immigration operation in Minneapolis earlier this year.

Noem resigned from DHS amid controversy over her testimony during congressional hearings, notably regarding claims that former President Trump had approved multimillion-dollar government advertisements featuring her prominently. Following her departure, Noem took a role as a special envoy for Western Hemisphere security at the State Department, a position that was not renewed after its term ended in September. She currently serves as a senior adviser in a lower-profile capacity at the State Department.

In the final days of Noem’s leadership at DHS, the agency awarded a contract to Daedalus Aviation Corporation, a firm linked to one of Noem’s political donors. The deal included the purchase of five aircraft, notably a Boeing 737 that had been converted into a luxury private jet. DHS agreed to pay $108 million for the plane, which featured amenities such as a stand-up bar, two bedrooms, marble showers, and a table covered in manta ray skin. Documents indicate that Daedalus had acquired the same jet just months earlier for under $90 million, raising questions about the pricing and decision-making process.

The investigation into Lewandowski is one of the few probes into associates and appointees connected to the Trump administration during its second term, reflecting ongoing scrutiny of the department’s operations during that period.