Another subpoena shows federal inquiry into NC political donor continues

The department released a copy of that subpoena in October in response to WRAL News' requests. It declined to provide a copy of the latest subpoena, with Sink saying the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina asked the department not to release it. She cited an exemption in state open records laws for documents tied to criminal inquiries.

The details of this investigation aren't publicly known, but the initial subpoena keyed on Lindberg's business dealings in sectors regulated by the insurance department. Subpoena documents at the time indicated that a federal investigator with a background in white-collar crime and an FBI forensic auditor were involved and investigating "drug offenses, crimes against financial institutions, or money laundering crimes."

Lindberg had previously tried to donate directly to Causey's campaign, but the commissioner returned the money, state campaign finance records show.

Causey has said several times that he's cooperating with the investigation and that it "has nothing to do with me or the department," but with Lindberg companies regulated by the department. The September subpoena sought documents going back to January 2014 relating to Lindberg and eight companies, including Eli Global and Global Bankers Insurance Group, both main holdings for the wealthy Durham investor.

An attempt to reach Lindberg through spokespeople was not successful Monday. He has declined a number of interview requests over the last year.

He appears to be selling his home in Durham, which is listed for $4.5 million and features outdoor and indoor tennis courts, garage space for 10 vehicles, his and her locker rooms, a pool and an underground tunnel connecting two wings of the home.

Executives at Eli Global did not return messages seeking comment Monday. The media contact email listed on the company's website bounced back as undeliverable.

A company spokesman reached out Tuesday morning after this story published to say Eli Global continues to cooperate with the investigation.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray's office and the FBI have both declined to comment on the case in the past.