The trial for a Mexican millionaire facing federal charges in a San Diego campaign finance scandal started Wednesday.
Jose Susumo Azano Matsura, 48, is accused of funneling $600,000 of dollars into San Diego campaigns.
According to unsealed documents, Azano is one of several accused of hiding the source of campaign donations or concealing a donation altogether in records with the San Diego City Clerk, the Federal Election Commission, or the California Secretary of State.
Azano, referred to as "Mr. Lambo" in the indictment, is accused of making more than $600,000 in illegal contributions to former Mayor Bob Filner, failed mayoral candidate Bonnie Dumanis, and other candidates.
As the trial unfolds, 61 witnesses are expected to testify, including several high-profile witnesses like Sheriff Bill Gore and former councilman and current radio host Carl DeMaio.
Prosecutors list 20 instances in which campaign finance records were falsified to send money from Azano to three candidates in local elections.
It is illegal for a foreign national to donate to a U.S. political campaign.
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His motive, according to court documents, was to develop San Diego's waterfront into a Miami-of-the-West, with condos and a high-end hotel.
Azano has also been charged with illegally possessing a firearm, a black Sig Sauer P225 semi-automatic pistol.
Three other defendants, including Azano's son, are on trial. They are accused of getting the money to where it needed to go.
