NEW YORK — Federal prosecutors are set to charge an ex-aide to Mayor Eric Adams with collecting illegal straw donations for the mayor’s 2021 campaign. This development indicates that the mayor's legal troubles are ongoing, despite rumors of charges being dropped.
Mohamed Bahi faces a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and intends to plead guilty, according to Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon.
Background of the Case
Bahi, who resigned from his position in the mayor’s community affairs unit in October, was previously charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence. He allegedly instructed a campaign donor to provide false information to federal investigators.
In the mayor’s indictment, Bahi was identified as the anonymous “Adams Employee-1”. He is accused of directing Tolib Mansurov, the CEO of construction firm United Elite Group, to have his employees donate to Adams’ campaign and reimbursing them for their contributions.
The indictment further alleges that Bahi advised Mansurov to lie to federal investigators after they questioned him about the donations. Bahi even went as far as informing Adams about Mansurov’s potential lack of cooperation with law enforcement.
Adams' Stance and Legal Defense
Adams' lawyer, Alex Spiro, maintains that there is no evidence suggesting Adams was aware of the straw donor scheme. The mayor's trial is scheduled to commence on April 21, preceding the upcoming election.
While Spiro declined to comment on the recent developments, Bahi’s attorney, Derek Adams, did not respond to inquiries. Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for the Southern District, also refrained from providing any statements.
Repercussions and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
It is noted that Bahi has been engaged in plea deal discussions with prosecutors since November. Despite this, Acting U.S. Attorney Sassoon, appointed by President Donald Trump, is proceeding with the case against Adams.
The mayor has been aligning himself with President Trump, who has the authority to dismiss the case. Adams' legal team recently met with DOJ and Southern District officials in Washington D.C. to explore the possibility of dropping the charges.
Another construction executive, Erden Arkan, has already pleaded guilty to making illegal straw donations to Adams' 2021 campaign in January.
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