Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing a widening federal investigation involving bribery allegations, and one of his former senior liaisons, Mohamed Bahi, has been charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Bahi was arrested on October 8 after prosecutors alleged that he instructed individuals to lie to FBI agents and deleted encrypted communications during a federal search.
The charges stem from an investigation into Adams’s 2021 mayoral campaign, where authorities claim that illegal contributions from foreign sources were funneled through straw donors. Bahi is accused of obstructing the investigation by directing a businessman and campaign donors to provide false statements to investigators in June. In July, he allegedly deleted the encrypted messaging app Signal while FBI agents executed a search warrant at his home.
Bahi’s arrest is the latest development in the ongoing federal case against Adams. Prosecutors have accused Adams of accepting $100,000 in contributions and undisclosed gifts from foreign entities. These allegations involve lavish international flights, hotel stays, meals, and entertainment that Adams allegedly received in exchange for political favors benefiting representatives of Turkey’s government.
Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains in office. According to prosecutors’ complaint against Bahi, he obstructed the federal investigation into Adams by using intimidation and threats while directing potential witnesses to lie to law enforcement officers.
The broader investigation has already led to Adams’s indictment as New York City’s first mayor facing criminal charges while in office. He allegedly accepted free or heavily discounted flights, meals, hotel stays, and entertainment at international destinations without disclosing them on official city filings. In return for these gifts, Adams is accused of using his influence to assist Turkish government representatives.
To cover up the alleged bribery scheme, Adams is accused of taking steps to hide transactions and creating false paper trails. Despite mounting pressure for his resignation, he continues serving as mayor while urging the public not to judge until his side of the story is heard.
During a court appearance on October 2nd , prosecutors indicated that additional charges against Adams might be forthcoming. No trial date has been set yet; however ,Adams’s attorney requested it be held in March 2025.Adams will make another court appearance on November 1st.