Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her longtime partner and two local businessmen were named in an indictment unsealed Friday alleging the four conspired to funnel city business to companies owned by the men in exchange for money and benefits to Thao and her partner.

The Duong Family owns Cal Waste Solutions, Oakland's recycling company, which also provides junk pick-up in San Jose, and an integrated waste management facility in their native Vietnam.

The appointment reflects a key component of the alleged conspiracy: to fill major city staff roles with people who could favor Thao’s campaign backers for heavy public funding.

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and partner Andre Jones are indicted amid an FBI public corruption probe related to City Hall and the Duong family's influence.

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who was recalled in November and whose home was raided by the FBI last year, has been criminally indicted by a federal grand jury on bribery, corruption, and fraud charges,

Sheng Thao, recalled as Oakland’s mayor by voters in November, has been indicted on corruption charges and accused of taking bribes.

Sheng Thao, who was recalled by voters in the California city in November, said last year that she had done nothing wrong. She pleaded not guilty to the charges on Friday.

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has been indicted on federal bribery charges stemming from an FBI investigation into an alleged payment scheme with a Bay Area trash hauler. Prosecutors allege that Thao promised the city would extend Oakland’s contract with a recycling company and purchase housing units from its politically-connected owners in exchange for financial benefits.