Authorities have launched an “interagency operation” at the New York federal prison where Diddy is being held

NEW YORK (AP) – On Monday, investigators from various federal agencies launched an “interagency operation.” problematic blocking in New York, where Sean “Diddy” Combs is being held.

Investigators from the Bureau of Prisons, the Justice Department’s office of inspector general and other law enforcement agencies arrived at the Brooklyn detention center on Monday, the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement to The Associated Press.

The law enforcement operation “is designed to achieve our shared goal of maintaining a safe environment for both our staff and the inmates at MDC Brooklyn,” the agency said. Prison officials declined to provide specific details of the operation Monday morning.

But the move comes as the prison has faced increasing scrutiny over appalling conditions, rampant violence and multiple deaths, and amid a push by the Justice Department and Bureau of Prisons to address the prison’s problems and bring those responsible to justice.

Last month, federal prosecutors charged nine inmates in connection with a series of assaults that took place between April and August at the Metropolitan Detention Center, the only federal prison in New York. The allegations, made public last month, detailed serious safety and security problems at the prison, including accusations after two inmates were stabbed to death and another was stabbed in the spine with a makeshift ice pick. An employee of the correctional service was also charged with shooting at a car during an unauthorized high-speed chase.

The criminal charges opened a window into the violence and dysfunction that has gripped the prison, which holds about 1,200 people, including Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX.

In a statement Monday, the Bureau of Prisons said its operation in Brooklyn was pre-planned and that there was “no active threat.”

The agency said it would not release additional details about exactly what investigators were doing there Monday until the operation is complete “to ensure the safety and security of all personnel inside the facility and the integrity of this operation.”

The facility, located in an industrial area on the Brooklyn waterfront, houses about 1,200 inmates, up from more than 1,600 in January. It is used primarily to hold people awaiting trial in federal courts in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Other prisoners are serving short terms after being convicted.

Those held at the Brooklyn jail have long complained of rampant violence, appalling conditions, severe understaffing and widespread drug and other contraband, some of which were facilitated by staff. At the same time, they say they were often locked up and not allowed to leave their cells for appointments, phone calls, showers or exercise.

The Associated Press electronic service contributed to this report.