Former aide of NYC Mayor Eric Adams accused of destroying evidence in bribery probe. Mohamed Bahi, a former employee of New York City Hall, has been arrested on charges of obstructing the investigation into Mayor Adams and his campaign. Bahi, who resigned from his position in Adams’s administration, previously held the role of senior liaison in the community affairs department, according to ABC News.
The allegations against Bahi include witness tampering and destroying evidence, as per prosecutors. It is claimed in the criminal complaint that he instructed the mayor’s campaign donors to provide false information to the FBI and deleted the Signal messaging app from his phone when federal agents searched his home. US Attorney Damian Williams stated that Bahi had impeded a federal criminal investigation by directing witnesses to lie and destroying evidence.
In a statement on Tuesday, Williams emphasised the seriousness of obstructing a federal investigation, particularly when involving a government employee. The incident dates back to 2020 when Bahi allegedly organised a fundraiser for Mayor Adams’s campaign at a Brooklyn-based construction company’s offices. Four donations were reportedly made by individual workers, allegedly at the CEO’s request. Bahi is set to appear in court on Tuesday.
The news of Bahi’s arrest coincided with the resignation of Sheena Wright, a close ally of Mayor Adams and his first deputy mayor. Wright’s departure marks the seventh high-ranking official to leave Adams’s administration as federal investigators focus on his office, reports the New York Times. While expressing gratitude for Wright’s service, Adams’s office acknowledged her significant contributions to the city, especially in areas concerning children, families, and working-class New Yorkers.
These events follow the indictment of Mayor Adams two weeks ago on charges including wire fraud and bribery. As public opinion turns against him, a recent Marist Institute poll revealed that over two-thirds of New York City residents believe Adams should step down. The poll suggested that Mayor Adams’s reputation has significantly waned, with a majority of respondents indicating a desire for his resignation or removal from office.
Lee Miringoff, Director of the Marist Institute, highlighted the prevailing sentiment among residents towards Mayor Adams. The ongoing turmoil in Adams’s administration underscores the challenges he faces in restoring public trust amidst mounting allegations of misconduct. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.