On Thursday, federal agents searched two properties owned by New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ top adviser. An FBI spokesperson confirmed that agents conducted morning raids at two Bronx addresses owned by Winnie Greco, Adams’ former fundraiser and current director of Asian affairs.
The investigation’s purpose was not revealed, and it was unclear whether it was related to Adams. However, it was another indication of increased law enforcement scrutiny of the Democratic mayor and members of his inner circle.
Greco was put on administrative leave
According to a person familiar with the situation, the investigation that led to Thursday’s raid was overseen by the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s Office and was separate from a criminal investigation being conducted by federal prosecutors in Manhattan that led FBI agents to seize Adams’ electronic devices as he left an event last fall.
The individual was not authorized to publicly disclose information about the investigation and spoke with The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
Greco’s neighbors reported that federal agents began searching the two homes on the same block around 6 a.m. and remained for several hours.
Greco was put on administrative leave Thursday, according to a City Hall spokesperson. She was a successful fundraiser who had worked with Adams for over a decade, acting as his liaison with the city’s Asian-American community.
The city’s Department of Investigation launched an investigation into her actions in November, following a news report that raised concerns about her political fundraising and whether she used her position in the administration to obtain personal benefits.
According to a report published by the local news outlet The City, Greco demanded that a city employee complete free renovations on her home while he was supposed to be at work.
Who is Winnie Greco?
Greco is at least Adams’ third aide, whose home has been targeted by federal agents. In November, the FBI raided the homes of Brianna Suggs, Adams’ top fundraiser, and Rana Abbasova, who worked in the mayor’s international affairs office. Four days later, agents quietly seized the mayor’s cellphones and iPad as he left a Manhattan event.
According to a warrant obtained by The New York Times, the investigation is being led by Manhattan prosecutors and is expected to focus on whether the Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources via straw donors.
Adams has repeatedly deflected questions about the investigation, emphasizing that he has not been officially accused of wrongdoing.
“Our administration will always follow the law, and we always expect all our employees to adhere to the strictest ethical guidelines,” a spokesperson for the mayor said in a statement Thursday. “As we have repeatedly said, we don’t comment on matters that are under review, but will fully cooperate with any review underway.”
A voicemail seeking comment left at a phone number listed as Greco’s did not receive an immediate response.
