New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Friday stood by a longtime adviser whose properties were raided by the FBI and shrugged off concerns about the mounting federal probes of people linked to his administration.
FBI agents searched two Bronx addresses Thursday owned by Winnie Greco, a former fundraiser for Adams who now serves as his director of Asian affairs. They also searched the New World Mall in Flushing, Queens, a popular Asian food court where several fundraisers were held for Adams's 2021 mayoral campaign.
Greco is at least the third Adams aide whose home has been targeted by federal agents. Agents have also seized the mayor’s cellphones and an iPad in a separate federal probe focused at least in part on whether his campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources.
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During a round of local media appearances Friday, the Democrat said his administration is cooperating with investigators and that he remains committed to serving city residents.
“The inquiry is going to take its course,” Adams said on 1010 WINS news radio. “It's imperative for me to stay focused on public safety, improving the city. That's what I got to do."
“My job is to make sure trash is off the streets and the city is clean,” he said on NY1. “Those who are doing reviews of any actions that may be perceived to be incorrect, they’re going to do their job.”
Adams also defended Greco, a prolific fundraiser who has worked closely with him for over a decade and served as his conduit to Asian American communities. He has frequently appeared alongside Greco at the New World Mall, including during an event held last month to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Campaign records show Adams held at least three fundraisers at a restaurant inside the mall, bringing in dozens of donations that totaled $249 — the maximum amount that qualifies for the city's generous matching funds program.
When asked specifically if he still had confidence in Greco during an appearance on WPIX-TV, the mayor quickly responded: “Yes, I do.”
Adams disclosed Friday that she is on sick leave for now and that the question of whether she'll be placed on unpaid administrative leave will be addressed later.
The mayor’s office said later that Greco experienced a “medical episode” during Thursday's raid that required federal authorities to request an ambulance to take her to the hospital.
The administration declined to provide further details of the incident other than to stress that Greco will not be performing any city duties until the investigation is complete.
Federal authorities haven't revealed the purpose of Thursday's raid — which was overseen by the U.S. attorney's office in Brooklyn — including whether it is related to Adams.
In November, the city’s Department of Investigation opened a probe into Greco's conduct following a news report that raised questions about her political fundraising and whether she used her position in the administration to obtain personal benefits.
According to that report, published by the local news outlet The City, Greco demanded that a city employee complete free renovations on her home when he was supposed to be working.
