Former Biden Administration Prosecutor Faces Criminal Investigation Referral

A former senior prosecutor in the Biden administration is facing a criminal investigation referral related to her involvement in a federal investigation. The Justice Department has been asked to examine if Jina Choi misled federal agents about her role in an investigation regarding IRL, a social media startup.

Choi joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California in late 2023. Shortly after, she was appointed by U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey to lead the Corporate and Securities Fraud Section. This section is responsible for significant corporate and securities cases throughout the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

Before her role in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Choi represented IRL, co-founded by Abraham Shafi. IRL was focused on organizing and connecting people through events. However, the company shut down in 2023 following a board-directed investigation revealing that 95% of its users were likely bots, a claim disputed by Shafi. Shafi was later indicted in 2025 on charges of federal fraud and obstruction.

Defense Attorney Cully Stimson shared with Fox News Digital that criminal investigation referrals against prosecutors are uncommon, although defense teams frequently challenge prosecutors.

The referral, submitted by a lawyer Shafi separately hired, questions if Choi continued participating in IRL investigations after joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, despite being screened from the case due to her past representation of IRL. The Justice Department typically does not need to act on referrals like these.

Prosecutors claimed Choi was excluded from federal probes involving IRL and Shafi. Nonetheless, Shafi’s lawyer asserts that emails and FBI interview reports show she remained associated with the investigation, and might have understated her involvement to federal agents.

Judge Leonie Brinkema has said the issues in a lawsuit over the Anti-Weaponization Fund are still prevailing, despite government claims that the fund is obsolete.

The FBI declined to comment. Choi allegedly told agents during an interview she had no role in the investigation. However, the defense claims documents portray her involvement, such as asking for an addition to the investigation team, querying about agents involved in the case, and sharing press coverage related to Shafi’s charges with other prosecutors.

Choi’s defense insists her prior ties to IRL constituted a conflict of interest. Prosecutors denied this, asserting she advocated against targeting the firm, not specifically targeting Shafi.

The defense has reportedly acquired internal messages contradicting Choi’s statements to agents. At times, Choi supposedly remarked she was unaware of individuals associated with the case. However, a referral document suggests she admitted creating a case tracker listing the Shafi investigation.

Shafi was charged with wire and securities fraud and obstruction, facing allegations of misrepresenting user growth and misuse of investor funds for personal expenses. His lawyer argues Choi’s alleged false statements and prior IRL representation are undermining Shafi’s charges.

Defense Attorney Stimson noted that if the defense’s allegations are confirmed, it may lead to broader conflicts within the U.S. Attorney’s Office, potentially impacting the prosecution.

So far, Choi has not been indicted or reprimanded professionally regarding Shafi’s prosecution.

Choi has not responded to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.