New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban’s twin brother, James Caban, a former police officer, is under investigation for allegedly working as a “fixer” for restaurants and nightclubs in the city. Federal investigators are looking into consulting work James Caban reportedly did for swanky Manhattan hotspots, as well as allegations that he worked to ease tensions between these establishments and the police. It is claimed that he would use his brother’s position as leverage to help these businesses with issues such as fines and underage drinking complaints.
The businesses that James Caban allegedly worked with included Marquee and PhD, owned by the TAO Hospitality Group, as well as Creatures at Selina Rooftop in Chelsea. Caban was reportedly called in when police issued citations for noise violations or underage drinking. He would then visit the local precinct heads to try and resolve these issues. Many of these precinct heads are also said to be under federal investigation. The FBI recently conducted raids on the homes of both Caban brothers, as well as other top officials connected to Mayor Eric Adams, as part of a corruption probe related to influence peddling.
James Caban’s alleged involvement with the restaurants and nightclubs began when his brother was the first deputy commissioner under former NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell. Caban was said to be offering his services to officers working at concerts in Manhattan, claiming to have influence in the police department due to his brother slated to become the police commissioner. Despite facing substantiated charges over allegations of excessive force and abuse of authority during his time with the NYPD, Caban still rose to the rank of sergeant before being dismissed from the force in 2001.
After leaving the NYPD, James Caban purchased an apartment building in the Bronx, which later landed him on a list of New York City’s worst landlords in 2013. He was subsequently jailed for failing to make necessary repairs to the property, with a housing court judge noting that he ignored requests to address over 300 property violations. Caban claimed he did not have the financial means to make the repairs. The investigation into Caban’s activities includes looking at police reports involving Manhattan bars and restaurants, as well as emails from NYPD officials, to determine if complaints were handled correctly.
Mayor Eric Adams, who has denied any wrongdoing, and his team are reportedly cooperating with federal prosecutors after being subpoenaed in connection with the corruption investigation. The Department is aware of the investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York involving members of the police service and is fully cooperating. Efforts are being made to determine the extent of James Caban’s involvement with various establishments in the city and the impact it may have had on police operations. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as authorities continue to look into these allegations.
