Federal authorities have been investigating Mayor Eric Adams’ administration for over a year, with a recent increase in raids on top aides, allies, and lieutenants. The Southern District of New York is overseeing these investigations, but little information has been released about the nature of the probes and potential charges. One key focus is the 2021 mayoral campaign, with allegations of a kickback scheme involving the Turkish government and a Brooklyn construction company. Federal agents are looking into potential charges of theft of federal funds, wire fraud, and public corruption related to the campaign.
The former NYPD commissioner, Edward Caban, and his twin brother James have also been targeted in a corruption probe involving influence-peddling. Edward Caban stepped down following federal agents requesting his electronic devices, while James was investigated for work as a “fixer” for establishments facing issues with the police. The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed against either of the Caban brothers. Additionally, the Banks brothers, including Schools Chancellor David and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil, are under investigation for potential involvement in a corruption scheme regarding city contracts.
Further investigations involve Winnie Greco, a top aide to Mayor Adams, whose Bronx home was searched for information about trips the mayor took to China while he was Brooklyn Borough President. Greco’s organization had arranged the trips, and allegations of wrongdoing have been raised previously. Eric Ulrich, a former head of the city Department of Buildings, is facing charges for accepting over $150,000 in bribes in exchange for political favors. Ulrich pleaded not guilty to 16 felonies, which prosecutors claim involved providing co-conspirators access to high-ranking city officials and engaging in corrupt practices.
Retired FDNY Chiefs Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco were indicted on charges of accepting nearly $200,000 in bribes to accelerate inspections for various projects in New York City. The allegations include forming a partnership with a retired firefighter to expedite inspections in exchange for payments. The two men have been charged with solicitation and receipt of a bribe, wire fraud, and conspiracy, but they have pleaded not guilty. The investigations into Mayor Adams’ administration have resulted in multiple high-profile individuals being targeted for various corruption-related offenses, with several cases still pending.
The Southern District of New York has been conducting investigations into several individuals connected to Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, resulting in raids on their homes and offices. Key figures such as former NYPD commissioner Edward Caban, the Banks brothers, and Winnie Greco have been targeted for potential corrupt activities. Charges include theft of federal funds, wire fraud, and conspiracies related to influence-peddling schemes and kickback arrangements. The investigation into Eric Ulrich, a former head of the city’s Department of Buildings, centers around allegations of bribery and providing political favors in exchange for gifts and payments.
Several individuals involved in Mayor Adams’ administration, including high-ranking officials from the NYPD and FDNY, have been indicted on charges of bribery and corruption. These indictments allege various schemes to expedite projects and inspections in exchange for significant payments. The investigations highlight widespread corruption within the highest levels of city government, with multiple figures facing charges and significant legal consequences. The ongoing probes have revealed deeply rooted corruption within Mayor Adams’ circle, leading to heightened scrutiny and scrutiny on his administration’s practices and policies.
