Former NYC Mayor Aide Charged with Tampering Evidence in Bribery Probe, Adams' Administration Shakes Up

Former NYC Aide Charged with Tampering Evidence in Bribery Probe, Adams' Administration Shakes Up

Mohamed Bahi, a former community affairs liaison for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has been charged with witness tampering and destroying evidence in a federal investigation into Adams’ bribery indictment. Bahi is accused of telling a businessman and campaign donors to lie to the FBI and deleting the encrypted messaging app Signal from his phone as agents arrived to search his home.

This latest development comes amid a series of high-profile departures from Adams’ administration, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, and Director of Asian Affairs Winnie Greco. These resignations follow a string of searches and subpoenas from federal investigators, leading to growing pressure on Adams to bring stability to city government.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that Bahi's charges “should leave no doubt about the seriousness of any effort to interfere with a federal investigation, particularly when undertaken by a government employee.”

Meanwhile, Adams has pleaded not guilty to charges of accepting illegal campaign contributions from foreign interests. Governor Kathy Hochul has stated she is working with Adams to ensure key positions are filled with “people who are going to be responsible.”

The investigation into Adams and his administration continues, with authorities pursuing “several related investigations” and the possibility of additional charges against both Adams and others involved.