Federal agents conducted a “court-authorized law enforcement activity” at two residences of Winnie Greco, a key aide to Mayor Eric Adams, in the Bronx on Thursday, February 29th.
Greco, who serves as the director of Asian Affairs for the mayor, has been under scrutiny by the city’s Department of Investigation (DOI) for allegedly exploiting her position for personal benefits.
The exact reasons behind the FBI’s recent involvement at her Gillespie Avenue home remain undisclosed, at this time.
An individual familiar with the investigation informed the Associated Press that the raid was under the supervision of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn and was distinct from the criminal inquiry led by federal prosecutors in Manhattan.
The scene of the operation was marked by a blocked-off intersection and the presence of numerous government vehicles and personnel.
A separate Department of Investigation stems from allegations reported by The City, which spotlighted Greco’s requests to a volunteer from Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign for free home renovations before her appointment in the mayor’s administration.
The same volunteer, once employed by the city, was purportedly pressured to continue this work on Greco’s home during city hours.
In response to inquiries regarding the federal actions, a City Hall spokesperson, emphasized the administration’s commitment to legality and ethical standards stating, “We always expect all our employees to adhere to the strictest ethical guidelines. As we have repeatedly said, we don’t comment on matters that are under review, but will fully cooperate with any review underway. The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing.”
Greco’s financial undertakings came under the spotlight, with records indicating her purchase of a one-family home in Pelham Bay for $850,000, alongside a $680,000 mortgage.
Despite her $100,000 city job salary, the clarity regarding her primary residence is muddled by her ownership of another property across the street.
This incident unfolds as Mayor Adams himself is entangled in a separate federal investigation concerning his connections with Turkey.
Last year, the FBI conducted raids on the residences of Brianna Suggs, a top fundraiser for Adams, and Rana Abbasova, a City Hall staffer, as part of their investigation into the 2021 mayoral campaign funding.
An official from Adams’ administration confirmed that Greco is currently on medical leave.
This article was updated on Friday, March 1st as 2:30pm.
