A former New York City official has been charged with witness tampering and destroying evidence in a federal investigation that resulted in Mayor Eric Adams’ bribery indictment. The arrest of Mohamed Bahi, a former community affairs liaison who resigned recently, is part of a widening probe into corruption allegations surrounding the Mayor’s office.
According to federal prosecutors, Bahi instructed a businessman and campaign donors to lie to the FBI in June. He also allegedly deleted the encrypted messaging app Signal from his phone as FBI agents conducted a search of his home in July. Prosecutors claim Bahi used the app to communicate with Mayor Adams.
Bahi, aged 40 and from Staten Island, is the first person besides Mayor Adams to face charges in the investigation. Several other high-ranking officials in Adams’ administration have resigned amidst ongoing searches and subpoenas, with pressure mounting on the Mayor to bring stability to city governance.
The recent wave of departures includes the resignation of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who stepped down following announcements from her husband, the city’s schools chancellor David Banks, and her brother-in-law Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety. Additionally, the city’s police commissioner, Edward Caban, and a senior mayoral advisor, Timothy Pearson, have also left their positions.
All five officials had their devices seized by federal investigators in early September, although each has denied any wrongdoing. Mayor Adams, who pleads not guilty to corruption charges, continues to maintain his innocence.
In response to Bahi’s arrest, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasised the seriousness of interfering with a federal investigation, particularly by a government employee. The investigation into Mayor Adams’ alleged bribery scheme is ongoing, with prosecutors hinting at further charges against additional defendants and potentially more charges against Adams himself.
The accusations against Bahi tie back to a fundraiser held in December 2020, where he allegedly orchestrated donations to Adams’ campaign from the employees of a construction company, with reimbursements made to circumvent campaign contribution limits. Adams is separately accused of receiving illegal donations through straw donors, thereby accessing public funds through unlawful means.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focusing on uncovering the truth and following leads to hold accountable those involved in the alleged corruption at the heart of New York City’s administration. Bahi’s expected appearance in court highlights the gravity of the charges brought against him and the escalating scrutiny faced by Mayor Adams and his administration.