That tracks with what some legal experts say investigators would need if trying to build a sex trafficking case against Combs.

Dmitry Gorin, a former L.A. County sex crimes prosecutor who is now in private law practice, said investigators would likely seek authorization to "search for videos or photographs on any devices connected to the target ... anywhere where digital images can be found in connection to sexual conduct that would have been recorded."

No one has been arrested in connection with the investigation, although two of Combs' sons were briefly detained on the Holmby Hills property.

The investigation into Combs is being directed by federal prosecutors with the Southern District of New York.

It comes after four women filed civil lawsuits accusing Combs of rape, assault and other abuses, dating back three decades. One allegation involves a minor.

A source familiar with Homeland Security's criminal inquiry said investigators have interviewed some of the people tied to the sex trafficking allegations in the lawsuits against Combs.

Homeland Security investigates most sex trafficking operations for the federal government. Legal experts say one possibility why the agency could be involved in this case is because the women involved in the allegations against Combs could be from other countries.

"They have [in the Combs case] convinced one or more federal magistrates they had enough probable cause for one or more search warrants," said Meghan Blanco, a defense attorney who has handled sex trafficking cases. "Given the scope of the investigation, it seems they are further along than most investigations."

Gorin said the allegations involving a minor could be a key focus in the inquiry.

If a minor is moved across state lines for the purpose of sex, "that is enough for at least an argument ... of sex trafficking because somebody underage cannot consent," Gorin said.

"Sex trafficking for adults usually involves some sort of coercion or other restraints," he said, and can be tougher to prove. Prosecutors would need to show a person "encouraged somebody to engage in sexual activity for money or some other inducement."

Aaron Dyer, one of Combs' lawyers, on Tuesday called the raids a "witch hunt" and criticized how they were conducted.

"There was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs' residences," Dyer said in a statement.

"This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence — leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations."

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