CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Agents from the FBI and IRS searched at least three stores in Cleveland on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation.

Agents fanned out shortly after 10 a.m. and were at Bank Street Wine & Spirits on West 6th Street, as well as the Mr. C's convenience store on Shaw Avenue and Mr. C's II on Superior Avenue, FBI spokeswoman Vicki Anderson said.

Anderson said she could not discuss the nature of the investigation, as court records are sealed.

All three stores are believed to be owned by the same person.

Robert Carlis, who owns the property on Shaw Avenue, said the store's owner has not paid him rent for some time. He said he was not aware of any federal investigation.

Attempts to reach a representative of the stores were unsuccessful.

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