FBI Raids Properties of Top Aide to NYC Mayor Eric Adams in Growing Investigation

NEW YORK — Federal agents on Thursday searched two properties owned by a top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

An FBI spokesman confirmed that agents carried out early morning raids at two Bronx addresses, which records show are owned by Winnie Greco, a former fundraiser for Adams who now serves as his director of Asian affairs.

The purpose of the investigation was not disclosed and it was not immediately clear if it was related to Adams. But it was another sign of deepening scrutiny by law enforcement of the Democratic mayor and members of his inner circle.

A person with knowledge of the matter said the investigation that led to Thursday’s raid was being overseen by the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn, and was separate from a criminal investigation by federal prosecutors in Manhattan that brought in FBI agents. to confiscate Adams’ electronic devices as he left an event last fall.

The person was not authorized to publicly disclose information about the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Greco’s neighbors said federal agents began searching the two homes, which are on the same block, around 6 a.m. and remained in the area for several hours.

Greco was placed on administrative leave Thursday, according to a City Hall spokesperson. A prolific fundraiser, she had worked closely with Adams for more than a decade, serving as her conduit to the city’s Asian American communities.

That investigation, which is being led by Manhattan prosecutors, is believed to focus on whether Adams’ campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal contributions from foreign sources, funneled through front donors, according to an order reported by The New York. Times.

Adams has repeatedly deflected questions about the investigation while emphasizing that he has not been officially charged with any crime.

“Our administration will always follow the law and we always expect all of our employees to adhere to the strictest ethical guidelines,” a spokesperson for the mayor said in a statement Thursday. “As we have repeatedly said, we do not comment on matters under review, but we will cooperate fully with any ongoing review.”

There was no immediate response to a voicemail seeking comment left at a phone number listed as Greco’s.

2024-03-01 02:45:37
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