UPDATED: FBI Searches Brighton Real Estate Office

The FBI searched Elias Real Estate and Financial Services at both its Brighton and Livonia locations on Wednesday.

FBI Detroit Division spokesman Simon Shaykhet said that the FBI executed two search warrants at the office locations, but could not comment further as the documents are court sealed. 

Owner William Elias told the Livingston Daily that he does not know why the FBI is searching the offices and that it was a surprise to him.

Elias Realty released a statement to media outlets Wednesday evening, saying it is currently reviewing the details of the investigation and plans to cooperate fully with federal investigators. 

In the statement, the company also speculates that the executed warrants stem from problems with Freddie Mac, which began last year because of the number of successful short sale business the company has done. 

According to the statement, Elias and Elias Realty filed a complaint against Freddie Mac in January for what it says was unfair competition and business and personal defamation after Freddie Mac placed Elias on its exclusionary list.

Patch has left a message with the U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of Michigan for more information. 

The Brighton office is located at 102. E. Grand River Avenue.

This is a developing story. Check back with Patch for updates.