NYPD Commissioner’s Brother Investigated for Possible Corruption
The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division has joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York in looking into questions about the NYPD’s nightclub enforcement.
Seized Cellphones and Investigation Focus
The SDNY and IRS have seized the cellphones of numerous NYPD officials, including at least one phone belonging to Commissioner Edward Caban. Caban’s brother, James, also had his phone seized in the corruption investigation.
Several sources tell NBC New York federal investigators want to know if James Caban profited from his ties to his powerful brother and the NYPD. Specifically, the investigation is looking into if James was paid by bars and clubs in Midtown and Queens to act as a police liaison, and if those clubs were then afforded special treatment by local precincts, the sources said.
Other Questions Being Investigated
Other questions being investigated are if officers were asked to crack down harder on clubs that did not do business with the commissioner’s brother or if promotions were given to officers who played along with the potential scheme, according to sources.
NYPD Statement
“The Department is aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York involving members of service. The Department is fully cooperating in the investigation,” an NYPD spokesperson said Thursday. The NYPD referred any further questions to the U.S. Attorney.
Mayor Eric Adams’ Campaign Investigation
In a separate investigation, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are investigating past fundraising by a campaign of Mayor Eric Adams.
Full Scope of Investigations Unclear
The full scope of the investigation is unclear and no criminal charges have been filed. Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the matter.
Third Investigation
In a third case, cellphones of several members of Adams’ inner circle were seized as part of an investigation by the FBI and SDNY. Searches took place at the homes of the Banks brothers, who are among the mayor’s closest allies.
Searches and Investigation Focus
Sources familiar with the matter said that third investigation is looking into what, if any, dealings City Hall may have had with the consulting firm run by Terence Banks.
Attorney’s Statement
“We have been assured by the Government that Mr. Banks is not a target of this investigation,” Terence Banks’ attorney, Timothy Sini, the former Suffolk County District Attorney told News 4.
Conclusion
The investigations into the NYPD’s nightclub enforcement and Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign fundraising are ongoing, with no criminal charges filed yet. The full scope of the investigations is unclear, but they have raised questions about possible corruption and the use of police department resources.
FAQs
Q: What is the investigation about?
A: The investigation is looking into possible corruption and the use of police department resources by NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban’s brother, James, and several members of Mayor Eric Adams’ inner circle.
Q: What has been seized in the investigation?
A: Cellphones of numerous NYPD officials, including at least one phone belonging to Commissioner Edward Caban, and cellphones of several members of Adams’ inner circle have been seized in the investigation.
Q: Has anyone been charged in the investigation?
A: No, no one has been charged in the investigation.
Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with no criminal charges filed yet. The full scope of the investigations is unclear.
