Federal Prosecutors Charge Aide to Mayor Eric Adams with Witness Tampering and Destruction of Evidence
Arrest and Charges
Federal prosecutors charged Mohamed Bahi, a 41-year-old senior liaison to the city’s Muslim community in the mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, with witness tampering and destruction of evidence in connection with the federal corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams. Bahi was arrested on Tuesday morning and is due to appear in Manhattan federal court.
Allegations
The complaint, unsealed by a Manhattan judge, alleges that Bahi took actions to help facilitate the illegal pass-through donations scheme involving a businessman in the construction industry. The scheme allegedly enabled the Adams campaign to claim funds from the city’s public campaign matching funds program. Bahi allegedly questioned the businessman and donors about their interactions with the FBI, photographed grand jury subpoenas, and told them that the FBI would not be able to prove they had been reimbursed in cash.
Encryption and Phone
The complaint also alleges that Adams and Bahi used the encrypted app Signal to communicate. During a search of Bahi’s Staten Island home, Bahi deleted Signal from his phone before surrendering it to investigators.
Resignation
Bahi resigned from his city position on Monday, which paid $80,000 last year. The position was part of the mayor’s Community Affairs Unit.
Adams’ Response
Adams stated that he would never instruct anyone to do anything illegal or improper and that "follow the law is my number one instruction." When asked about Bahi’s arrest, Adams said that he delivered for New Yorkers and thanked him for it.
Other Departures
Bahi is the latest in a string of high-profile departures from the Adams administration, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Police Commissioner Edward Caban, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, Senior Advisor Tim Pearson, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and community liaisons Winnie Greco and Rana Abbasova. Adams downplayed the departures, stating that he has 300,000 employees who are dedicated to serving the city.
Conclusion
The arrest and charges against Bahi bring the total number of officials connected to the Adams campaign and administration to face federal charges to two. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what other charges may be filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the charges against Mohamed Bahi?
A: Bahi is charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence in connection with the federal corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams.
Q: What is the alleged scheme involving the Adams campaign and the businessman in the construction industry?
A: The scheme allegedly enabled the Adams campaign to claim funds from the city’s public campaign matching funds program by using phony "straw" donors and funneling funds through company employees.
Q: Why did Bahi delete the Signal app from his phone?
A: According to the complaint, Bahi deleted the Signal app from his phone before surrendering it to investigators, indicating that he may have been trying to destroy evidence.
