Mayor Eric Adams stood by his close aide, Winnie Greco, amidst a growing federal investigation into her actions. Despite mounting pressure to distance himself from officials under scrutiny, Adams chose to support Greco as she faced allegations of potential misconduct.
Adams and Greco were seen marching together in the 21st Autumn Moon Festival and 12th China Day Festival on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. This public display of solidarity raised eyebrows as Greco’s Bronx homes had been raided by the FBI earlier in the year. Despite the ongoing probe, Adams allowed Greco to return to City Hall after a brief leave of absence, albeit in a new role.
Greco’s journey with Adams dates back to his time as Brooklyn borough president in 2014. She later joined his 2021 mayoral campaign without any documented pay, raising questions about her financial disclosures. Greco’s filings with the city ethics board for 2021 showed no income from any source, and subsequent years followed suit with no outside income or investments reported.
The spotlight on Greco intensified as federal prosecutors investigated Chinese government influence in U.S. politics. The unsealing of an indictment against Linda Sun, a former staffer for Gov. Kathy Hochul, for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government added to the scrutiny. The same U.S. attorney’s office that issued the warrant to search Greco’s homes was now closely monitoring her activities.
While Greco has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the city’s Department of Investigation launched a probe following reports that she resided in a city-funded shelter hotel for an extended period. Allegations of impropriety surfaced, including claims that she solicited a $10,000 donation for a nonprofit she founded in exchange for attending an event with Adams at Gracie Mansion.
During the 2021 elections, Greco played a pivotal role in Adams’ campaign efforts, assisting in raising significant funds for his mayoral bid. Her involvement in multiple fundraisers and events raised further questions about her ties to the Chinese government. Greco’s dual roles as Adams’ “American Chinese ambassador” and director of the Sino-America New York Brooklyn Archway Association blurred the lines between advocacy and potential conflicts of interest.
Email correspondences revealed Greco’s persistent efforts to engage with Chinese and New York officials on various projects, including the construction of a ceremonial arch in Sunset Park. Adams’ support for the archway project, coupled with Greco’s interactions with Chinese government representatives, fueled concerns about foreign influence in local politics.
As Greco transitioned from a volunteer position with the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office to a paid role at City Hall, she became subject to stringent financial disclosure requirements. Her annual filings with the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board raised eyebrows due to discrepancies in reported income and property ownership. Greco’s acquisition of a property on Gillespie Avenue in October 2023, following the FBI raids on her homes, further raised suspicions about her financial dealings.
Despite mounting evidence and allegations, Greco maintained her silence on the matter. The ongoing investigation into her actions, coupled with Adams’ unwavering support, underscored the complexities of loyalty and accountability in public office. As the case unfolded, questions lingered about the extent of Greco’s involvement in Adams’ inner circle and the potential ramifications of her actions on his administration.
Support Amidst Scrutiny
Mayor Eric Adams’ decision to stand by Winnie Greco amidst a federal investigation showcased his commitment to loyalty even in the face of controversy. While critics questioned the appropriateness of his actions, Adams remained steadfast in his support for Greco, emphasizing the importance of standing by those in his inner circle.
Transparency and Accountability
The ongoing probe into Greco’s activities highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in government. As public officials navigate complex relationships and allegiances, maintaining clear ethical standards is paramount to upholding public trust. The scrutiny surrounding Greco’s financial disclosures and interactions with foreign entities underscored the challenges of balancing personal connections with professional responsibilities.
Lessons Learned
As the investigation into Winnie Greco’s actions unfolded, it served as a cautionary tale for public officials and their associates. The need for stringent oversight, ethical conduct, and adherence to legal requirements became glaringly apparent in the wake of the allegations against Greco. Moving forward, Mayor Eric Adams and his administration faced the challenge of rebuilding public trust and ensuring that similar incidents were prevented in the future.