Feds Search Home Of New York Mayor Eric Adams’ Aide

Topline

The FBI on Thursday reportedly searched a Bronx home belonging to Winnie Greco, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ director of Asian affairs, the latest instance of federal scrutiny surrounding Adams associates in recent months.

One of two homes owned by Winnie Greco, an aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, is seen, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in The Bronx borough of New York. The FBI confirmed that a raid was conducted Thursday at the Bronx address. Records show that the home there is owned by Greco, a longtime fundraiser for the mayor who serves as his director of Asian Affairs. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Key Facts

Multiple media outlets confirmed the search, which was first reported by News 12 in the Bronx—Forbes has contacted the FBI seeking comment on the raid.

Greco was a major fundraiser for Adams during his mayoral campaigns who has already been the target of a local Department of Investigation inquiry after reporting by local outlet the City uncovered allegations of unethical fundraising behavior last year.

The mayor’s office told Forbes that federal law enforcement has not reached out to anyone at City Hall about the matter.

City Hall spokesman Fabien Levy told Forbes the administration “will always follow the law” and expects its employees “to adhere to the strictest ethical guidelines,” but that beyond that, the administration doesn’t comment “on matters that are under review, but will fully cooperate with any review underway”—Levy noted the mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Multiple outlets reported Thursday that Greco has been placed on administrative leave.

What We Don’t Know

There was no official confirmation on the purpose of Thursday’s search, whether it was related to behavior being investigated as part of the the DOI inquiry, or whether it was related to searches of other Adams associates in November—reportedly part of a wider probe into Adams’ campaign finances.

Key Background

The first public indications of federal scrutiny of Adams’ orbit came in November, when the FBI searched the properties of multiple officials associated with Adams and the FBI seized some of Adams’ devices. The New York Times reported at the time the FBI was investigating whether Adams’ 2021 campaign worked with the Turkish government to acquire illegal campaign donations. Meanwhile, the City has reported Greco allegedly used her position to obtain personal benefits. The Department of Investigations has said it started an inquiry into Greco’s behavior based on a referral from the mayor’s office, though the specific conduct being reviewed is not clear, according to the City.

Further Reading

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