Mayor Eric Adams commended Mohamed Bahi, a former aide who recently faced federal charges for witness tampering and evidence destruction. During a press conference, Adams spoke highly of Bahi’s work as a senior liaison to the Muslim community, praising his commitment to engaging with various communities across the city. Despite Bahi’s resignation from his position, Adams expressed confidence in his abilities and noted that the legal process should be left to Bahi’s attorneys.
The federal indictment against Bahi alleges that he instructed key witnesses involved in the investigation of Adams’ 2021 campaign to provide false information to federal prosecutors regarding straw donations to the campaign. Additionally, Bahi is accused of deleting the encrypted messaging app Signal from his phone before a federal search of his home in July. This development marks the first instance of an associate of the mayor facing separate charges in connection with the ongoing federal investigation into the campaign.
Adams himself is facing a five-count indictment, which includes charges of conspiracy, bribery, soliciting foreign campaign donations, and wire fraud. Prosecutors claim that Adams participated in a scheme to accept unreported gifts and illegal foreign donations, using straw donors to conceal the origin of the contributions. In exchange, Adams allegedly expedited approvals for a Turkish consulate building in Midtown Manhattan that had failed fire inspections.
Regarding Bahi’s alleged interactions with individuals involved in the straw donation scheme, Adams emphasized that he never instructed anyone to engage in illegal or improper activities. He reiterated his commitment to following the law and stated that adhering to legal guidelines is a top priority for him and his team. Adams denied instructing Bahi to advise the straw donors mentioned in the indictment to lie to the FBI, asserting that his primary directive is to uphold the law at all times.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on the federal investigation and the individuals implicated in the case. The allegations against Bahi and Adams have raised questions about ethical conduct in political campaigns and the consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities to secure financial support. The public awaits further developments in the case, as federal prosecutors continue to pursue justice and hold accountable those involved in the alleged wrongdoing.
