Criminal charges were filed against agent Mike Kobeissi who allegedly tried to price gouge a couple who lost their home in the Eaton fire.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Thursday announced his office has opened investigations into reports of price-gouging in the Southern California areas ravaged by devastating wildfires. “We have boots on the ground conducting investigations as we speak,” he said in a Thursday press conference.

California AG accuses real estate agent Mike Kobeissi of price gouging, raising a house rent by 38% after the Eaton Fire. The DOJ has issued warnings and stresses the importance of reporting such violations.

Tenant advocacy groups, landlord associations and elected officials are condemning rent gouging after tens of thousands of people were displaced in deadly fires this month.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Monday a Los Angeles-area real estate agent is being charged with price-gouging, accused of trying to rent a home in Glendale for 50% more than the listing price to a family evacuated in the Eaton Fire.

Another Southern California realtor has been charged with price gouging victims of the wildfires in Southern California, state Attorney General Rob Bonta announced. This video aired on the KTLA 5 News at 11 on Jan.