A former New York City official, Mohamed Bahi, has been charged with witness tampering and destroying evidence in a federal investigation related to Mayor Eric Adams' bribery indictment. Bahi, who resigned as a community affairs liaison, allegedly instructed individuals to lie to the FBI and deleted an encrypted messaging app from his phone during an FBI search of his home. Prosecutors claim Bahi used the app to communicate with Mayor Adams.
Bahi, 40, of Staten Island, was arrested and is set to appear in federal court in Manhattan. The investigation marks the first charge against someone other than Mayor Adams.
In recent weeks, several high-ranking officials in Adams' administration have resigned amid ongoing searches and subpoenas. The most recent departure includes First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, following the resignations of Deputy Mayor Philip Banks, Director of Asian Affairs Winnie Greco, and Schools Chancellor David Banks. Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Senior Mayoral Advisor Timothy Pearson have also resigned.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the seriousness of interfering with a federal investigation, stating that efforts to obstruct the truth will not be tolerated. Mayor Adams, who pleaded not guilty to bribery charges, remains in office while Governor Kathy Hochul works with him to ensure responsible appointments in key positions.
The criminal complaint against Bahi alleges his involvement in organizing a fundraiser where employees of a construction company made donations to Adams' campaign, which were later reimbursed by the company. The investigation into illegal campaign contributions involves straw donors and alleged efforts to disguise payments to unlock public funds.
Prosecutors indicated that additional defendants may be charged in related investigations, with the possibility of more charges against Mayor Adams. The investigation into straw donations to Adams' campaign began in 2021 when he was Brooklyn borough president and continued into his tenure as mayor.
