NYC Mayor Adams Aide Charged with Tampering Evidence as Administration Shakes Up

Former NYC Aide Charged with Tampering Evidence

A former New York City official, Mohamed Bahi, was charged with witness tampering and destroying evidence in a federal investigation into Mayor Eric Adams' bribery indictment. Bahi, who resigned Monday as a liaison to the Muslim community, is accused of encouraging a businessman and campaign donors to lie to the FBI and deleting an encrypted messaging app from his phone.

Adams denied any involvement in telling anyone to lie, but the arrest comes amid more high-profile departures from his administration. First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright also resigned Monday, adding to the growing list of top aides leaving the administration under pressure from Governor Kathy Hochul. Hochul has been pushing for changes to bring stability to city government.

Adams Faces Growing Legal and Political Pressure

The investigation into Adams' alleged bribery scheme, which involves accepting free or discounted travel, hotel stays, and meals, and seeking illegal campaign contributions from foreign interests, has cast a shadow over his administration. Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The departures of key personnel, including Bahi, Wright, and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, along with Schools Chancellor David Banks, and Police Commissioner Edward Caban, have led to questions about the stability of the administration. Adams' director of protocol for international affairs, Rana Abbasova, was fired, having been on unpaid leave since the FBI raided her home last year. She is now a key witness for the prosecution.

The Investigation Continues

Federal prosecutors are continuing their investigations and additional defendants may be charged. The probe is also examining potential charges against Adams. The charges against Bahi highlight the seriousness of interfering with a federal investigation, particularly by a government employee. The investigation and the departures of key personnel have created a turbulent environment in the city government.