The U.S. Department of Justice has filed an 11-count indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), alleging fraud and money laundering violations. The charges represent a significant legal challenge for the Montgomery, Alabama-based civil rights organization.

According to the indictment, the allegations include claims that the SPLC engaged in fraudulent activities and money laundering schemes. The Justice Department also alleges that the organization provided financial support to white supremacist groups, though specific details of these claims have not been publicly released.

The SPLC, founded in 1971, has built its reputation on tracking hate groups and filing civil rights lawsuits. The organization maintains databases of extremist organizations and publishes reports on hate group activities across the United States.

Dr. Ben Carson, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary, has previously criticized the SPLC, stating that the organization targeted him in ways that he believed put him at personal risk. Carson's comments reflect broader criticism the SPLC has faced from some conservative figures and organizations over its classification methods.

The indictment marks a significant development for an organization that has been involved in numerous high-profile legal cases and civil rights advocacy efforts. The SPLC has not yet publicly responded to the charges, and the case is expected to proceed through federal court proceedings.