Topline
As Eric Adams faces allegations of illegally soliciting donations for his campaign, earlier probes into other high-ranking officials of his administration allowed investigators to close in on the New York City mayor amid broad federal scrutiny of the city’s government.
The New York City mayor rejected calls for his resignation amid investigations into some of his … [+]
Timeline
Scrutiny on Adams’ administration first became clear when federal agents conducted raids on the homes of three of his associates: Brianna Suggs, Adams’ chief-fundraiser, who was questioned by FBI agents for an unspecified investigation; Rana Abbasova, the mayor’s liaison to the Turkish community; and former Turkish Airlines executive Cenk Ocal—the homes of the latter two were reportedly searched amid claims they facilitated illegal donations for Adams’ campaign from the Turkish government.
Winnie Greco, one of Adams’ campaign fundraisers and his director of Asian affairs, was briefly placed on unpaid leave after her homes were raided, though details of the investigation were not disclosed, The New York Times reported.
The FBI raided the homes of several New York City officials, people familiar with the matter told the Associated Press: First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright; Philip Banks, deputy mayor for public safety; his brother David Banks, the schools chancellor; Timothy Pearson, an Adams adviser and former high-ranking police official; and Police Commissioner Edward Caban.
Caban announced his resignation, saying the investigation “created a distraction” for the city’s police, as officials believe he and his brother James received bribery payments from city restaurants and nightclubs in exchange for favors, unnamed sources told CBS News.
Brian Cordasco and Anthony Saccavino, who ran the city fire department’s Bureau of Fire Prevention, were reportedly arrested and accused of accepting thousands of dollars in bribes to accelerate fire safety approval for building projects.
David Banks announced he would resign at the end of December amid an investigation into him and his brothers Terence, a consultant, and Philip, whose phones were seized by agents who believe the brothers are involved in a bribery scheme involving some of the city’s nightclubs and restaurants, people with knowledge of the matter told the Times.
Philip Banks, Greco and Mohamed Bahi—Adams’ senior liaison with the city’s community affairs unit—resigned while Abbasova was fired, though Philip’s attorney said federal officials informed him he was not targeted by an investigation, unnamed sources told CBS News.
Wright announced her resignation, as prosecutors charged Bahi with federal witness tampering and destruction of evidence during an investigation into illegal contributions to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign, alleging he encouraged witnesses to lie to investigators, the Times reported.
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What To Watch For
Prosecutor Hagan Cordell reportedly said last week it is “quite likely” Adams will face unspecified additional charges as there are “several related investigations here.”
Surprising Fact
Eric Ulrich, New York City’s former buildings commissioner under Adams, was indicted last year on 16 counts of bribery, conspiracy and filing false financial information. Ulrich allegedly used his position to provide access to city officials and favors for $150,000 in cash and other gifts, which included season tickets to the New York Mets and discounts on real estate, according to an indictment. He has denied the claims and pleaded not guilty. Dwayne Montgomery, a former police inspector and colleague of Adams’, pleaded guilty in February to a conspiracy charge alleging he funneled tens of thousands of illegal funds to Adams’ 2021 campaign.
Tangent
New York City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said Monday he would resign by January, citing personal reasons. Lisa Zornberg, Adams’ chief legal counsel, resigned earlier this month after saying she could “no longer effectively serve in my position.” Neither Vasan nor Zornberg indicated their resignations were because of any ongoing investigation.
Key Background
Adams, 64, was indicted on five charges alleging he sought out and accepted illegal contributions to his 2021 mayoral campaign. Prosecutors claim Adams received gifts from the Turkish government in exchange for speeding up the process of building a high-rise consulate building for Turkey. Adams also defrauded the city by using donations from straw donors—those who illegally use someone else’s funds to make a political contribution—to receive more than $10 million in matching funds, according to the indictment. Earlier Thursday, federal agents searched Adams’ residence at Gracie Mansion and seized some of his electronic devices, according to the Times. FBI agents first seized some of Adams’ devices in November, though details of the agency’s investigation were not disclosed and it was not immediately clear whether the probe was targeting Adams. Amid an investigation into Adams and other city officials, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, D-N.Y., called for Adams to resign because she does “not see how [he] can continue governing New York City.” In a video statement, Adams claimed the charges are “entirely false, based on lies,” and dismissed calls for his resignation.
