A former senior federal prosecutor from the Biden administration is facing a criminal investigation referral. The Justice Department has been asked to examine whether she misled federal agents about her involvement in a case. This news was reported by Fox News Digital.
Background of the Case
In 2023, Jina Choi joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Shortly after, she was appointed to lead its Corporate and Securities Fraud Section, handling significant cases in the Bay Area. Before her current position, Choi represented IRL, a social-media startup co-founded by Abraham Shafi. IRL aimed to connect people through events but was shut down in 2023 following an internal investigation, which suggested that 95% of its users were bots, a claim disputed by Shafi.
Shafi was indicted in 2025 on fraud and obstruction charges, which ties Choi to this ongoing case. The referral questions whether Choi remained involved in the IRL investigation after joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, despite being screened off due to her previous representation.
Legal Reactions and Allegations
The referral, sent by a lawyer separately hired by Shafi, alleges that Choi understated her involvement with the IRL investigation to federal agents. Cully Stimson, acting director of the Heritage Foundation’s Legal Policy Center, noted that though defense teams often challenge prosecutors, a criminal investigation referral is an unusual move.
Although the Justice Department typically isn’t obligated to respond to such referrals, the allegations have raised questions about Choi’s conduct. Prosecutors have maintained that Choi was isolated from the investigation, yet internal communications, and an FBI interview memo obtained by Shafi’s lawyer, may suggest otherwise.
Allegations Against Choi
According to Shafi’s defense, documents indicate that Choi was involved in the IRL investigation after joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The FBI allegedly interviewed her in July, where she claimed not to have played any role in the investigation. However, messages obtained by the defense purportedly show her as being more involved than she admitted.
The defense argues these documents contradict her statements to federal agents. It claims Choi inquired about the FBI agent working on the IRL case and shared related press coverage with other prosecutors. Additionally, Choi allegedly kept a written case tracker noting the Shafi investigation.
Potential Impact on the Case
Shafi faces charges of wire fraud, securities fraud, and obstruction due to allegations of misleading investors about his platform’s user growth. Prosecutors allege he misrepresented the growth achieved through paid advertising as organic while raising around $170 million from investors. He is also accused of misusing investor funds for personal expenses.
If the allegations against Choi prove true, they could significantly affect Shafi’s prosecution. The defense seeks to demonstrate Choi’s improper conduct, which might compromise the entire case. Stimson has expressed that if her actions are confirmed, they could conflict the whole U.S. Attorney’s Office handling this case.
As of now, Choi faces no charges related to the Shafi prosecution, nor has she been disciplined for professional misconduct. She did not reply to requests for comments from Fox News Digital.