FBI Raids 2 Homes in New York City Owned by Mayor Eric Adams

NEW YORK — On Thursday, federal agents conducted searches at two properties belonging to a top adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. An FBI spokesperson verified that agents conducted morning raids at two Bronx addresses owned by Winnie Greco, a former fundraiser for Adams who now serves as his director of Asian affairs.

The investigation’s purpose was not disclosed, and it was not immediately evident if it was connected to Adams. However, it indicated a growing level of attention from law enforcement towards the Democratic mayor and his close associates.

According to a source familiar with the situation, the investigation that resulted in Thursday’s raid was being managed by the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn. It was distinct from a criminal inquiry led by federal prosecutors in Manhattan, which prompted FBI agents to confiscate Adams’ electronic devices after an event last autumn.

The individual was not permitted to share details about the investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. According to neighbors of Greco, federal agents started searching the two homes on the same block at around 6 a.m. and stayed in the area for several hours.

Greco was put on administrative leave on Thursday, as confirmed by a City Hall representative. Having been a successful fundraiser, she had collaborated with Adams for more than ten years, acting as his connection to the Asian-American communities in the city. In November, the city’s Department of Investigation initiated an inquiry into her actions after a news report brought up concerns about her political fundraising and potential misuse of her position for personal gain.

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As per the report from the local news outlet The City, Greco insisted that a city employee perform renovations on her home for free during work hours. Greco is the third aide to Adams whose home has been targeted by federal agents.

In November, the FBI conducted a search at the residence of Brianna Suggs, a prominent fundraiser for Adams, and Rana Abbasova, who was employed in the mayor’s international affairs office. Four days later, agents discreetly confiscated the mayor’s cellphones and an iPad as he was departing an event in Manhattan.

The investigation led by Manhattan prosecutors is reportedly focusing on whether the Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources, funneled through straw donors, as per a warrant detailed by The New York Times. Adams has consistently avoided answering questions regarding the investigation, emphasizing that no formal accusations have been made against him.

“Our administration is committed to upholding the law, and we hold all our employees to high ethical standards,” a spokesperson for the mayor stated on Thursday. “We do not provide comments on matters currently under review, but we will cooperate fully with any ongoing review.”