Mayor Eric Adams is facing pressure to remove administration officials involved in federal investigations, but he is standing by longtime adviser Winnie Greco despite concerns about potential misconduct. Greco, who received significant raises and worked closely with Adams for years, is under scrutiny for her ties to the Chinese government and allegations of inappropriate behavior. Federal prosecutors have opened multiple investigations into Adams’ inner circle, leading to resignations and calls for more dismissals. Greco is being investigated by the city Department of Investigation for staying in a city-funded shelter hotel and other issues, but has not been accused of wrongdoing. The situation highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding Adams’ administration.
In Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, pressure is mounting to remove officials embroiled in federal investigations. Despite warnings of potential misconduct, Adams has stood by his longtime adviser Winnie Greco, who was subjected to an FBI raid on her Bronx residences in February. Greco, hired as the mayor’s Asian affairs advisor on his second day in office in 2022, received significant raises during her tenure.
City Hall officials, including Greco, were urged by mayoral counsel Lisa Zornberg to be dismissed, a request Adams declined, leading to Zornberg’s resignation. Greco’s relationship with Adams dates back to her work in his Brooklyn borough president’s office in 2014 and her involvement in his 2021 mayoral campaign. Financial disclosures show no documented income during these periods, raising questions about her financial activities.
Greco’s ties to Adams, including multiple trips to China, have come under scrutiny amid federal investigations into Chinese government influence in U.S. politics. The unsealing of an indictment against a former staffer for Governor Kathy Hochul by the Eastern District of New York has further heightened concerns about potential foreign influence.
The Southern District of New York, under U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, is conducting investigations into Adams’ inner circle, resulting in the seizure of electronic devices from several officials. Adams has resisted calls to dismiss certain individuals, including loyal advisor Tim Pearson.
While Greco has not been accused of wrongdoing, an ongoing probe by the city’s Department of Investigation was initiated after reports of her extended stay at a city-funded shelter hotel. Allegations of impropriety, including soliciting donations for a nonprofit she founded, have surfaced, raising questions about her conduct.
During the 2021 elections, Greco worked out of Adams’ campaign office in Flushing, Queens, assisting in fundraising efforts. Her involvement in various initiatives, including the proposed “Friendship Archway” in Sunset Park, has drawn attention to potential conflicts of interest.
Greco’s role as Adams’ “American Chinese ambassador” and her connections to Chinese government officials have raised concerns about undisclosed external income. Her work with the nonprofit Sino-America New York Brooklyn Archway Association, coupled with her advocacy for the archway project, has sparked inquiries into her activities.
As a paid employee in City Hall, Greco became subject to stringent financial disclosure requirements, which revealed discrepancies in her reported income and property ownership. Her acquisition of a property shortly before the FBI raid on her homes has raised suspicions about her financial dealings.
Despite requests for comment, Greco has remained silent on the allegations against her. The ongoing investigations and revelations surrounding her conduct have put Mayor Adams under increasing pressure to address concerns within his administration.
Source: TheCity.NYC
