Major FBI Action in NYC As Agents Launch Raids

FBI agents raid homes of top NYC officials in a corruption probe, seizing evidence and subpoenaing cell phones.

At a Glance

FBI raids homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks.
Federal investigators subpoena cell phones of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and other officials.
Raids appear unrelated to previous investigation into Mayor Adams’ ties to Turkey.
Mayor Adams emphasizes his administration’s commitment to following the law and cooperating.

FBI Raids Target High-Ranking NYC Officials

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has executed a series of raids on the homes of top New York City officials, including close aides to Mayor Eric Adams. Agents searched the residences of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, seizing electronic devices and other evidence as part of an ongoing corruption investigation.

In addition to the raids, federal investigators subpoenaed cell phones belonging to New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Tim Pearson, a close adviser to Mayor Adams. Four high-ranking NYPD officials, including Caban, received subpoenas for their devices. The full scope of the investigation remains unclear, but it has brought the mayor’s office under intense scrutiny.

Investigation Separate from Previous Turkey-Related Probe

Sources indicate that these recent searches do not appear to be related to a previous investigation into whether Mayor Adams accepted donations from Turkey in exchange for official favors. However, the current probe does include examinations of Adams’ ties to Turkey and his aide Winnie Greco.

“Investigators have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation. As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law.” – Lisa Zornberg

The mayor’s Chief Counsel, Lisa Zornberg, emphasized that investigators have not indicated that Mayor Adams or his staff are targets of the investigation. However, the raids and subpoenas suggest a wide-ranging inquiry into potential corruption within the city’s administration.

Mayor Adams Pledges Cooperation

Mayor Adams has stressed his administration’s commitment to following the law and cooperating fully with the investigation. In response to the raids, Adams stated, “Whatever information that’s needed, we’re going to turn it over, and I’m going to continue to be the mayor of the City of New York, the greatest city on the globe.”

The New York Police Department has also confirmed its awareness of the investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and pledged full cooperation. This development comes as a significant challenge to Mayor Adams’ administration, which has already faced scrutiny over various issues since he took office.

Ongoing Investigations and Political Fallout

The current raids are part of a series of investigative actions targeting the Adams administration. In July, City Hall and Adams’ election committee were subpoenaed, and last November, federal officers raided the homes of Adams’ top campaign fundraiser and international affairs aide. These events have fueled criticism from political rivals, who highlight what they see as chaos and disorder within the administration.

As the investigation unfolds, New Yorkers and political observers are closely watching for further developments that could impact the city’s governance and Mayor Adams’ political future. The coming weeks and months will likely bring more clarity to the scope and implications of this federal probe into potential corruption at the highest levels of New York City’s government.