FBI agents raided the homes of two high-ranking members of Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, Sheena Wright and Philip Banks III. The purpose of the raids is unclear, but cell phones and laptops were taken. Similar raids have been conducted on Adams and his advisors in the past. Wright and Banks have connections to fundraising entities under investigation for potential illegal foreign donations. Wright was a former executive at United Way and Banks is a former cop with ties to a bribery scandal.
In a recent development, a group of FBI agents executed a raid on the residences of two key members of Mayor Eric Adams’ administration early on Wednesday. The targeted individuals were First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. The FBI agents arrived at Wright’s Hamilton Heights townhouse and Banks’ Hollis home around 5 a.m.
Wright is engaged to David Banks, Phil Banks’ brother, who was appointed as the schools chancellor by Mayor Adams. The schools chancellor was observed visiting Wright’s townhouse following the raid. However, he declined to comment on the situation and instead expressed his excitement for the first day of school.
The purpose of the raids remains unclear, but it was reported that the FBI agents confiscated the cell phones and laptops of both Wright and Banks. This raid is part of a series of investigations conducted by the FBI targeting Mayor Adams and his close advisors.
Last November, the FBI seized Mayor Adams’ electronic devices and raided the home of his campaign treasurer, Brianna Suggs, as part of a probe into potential illegal foreign donations linked to entities associated with the Turkish government. Fundraisers tied to these entities raised significant amounts for Adams’ campaign, prompting the investigation.
In a separate incident in February, the FBI conducted raids on two Bronx homes owned by a top aide of Mayor Adams, Winnie Greco, and the New World Mall in Flushing, Queens. Greco, who is also an advisor to the mayor, had organized fundraisers for Adams. The Campaign Finance Board flagged J Mart Group linked to the mall as a suspected intermediary that raised funds for the mayor’s campaign.
Sheena Wright, a former executive at the United Way, was appointed by Mayor Adams in January 2022. Philip Banks, a former police officer and a close associate of the mayor, was appointed by Adams despite being named as an unindicted co-conspirator in an NYPD bribery scandal.
These FBI raids are part of ongoing investigations into potential illegal activities involving Mayor Eric Adams and his inner circle. The purpose and scope of these investigations are yet to be fully disclosed. The recent raids on the homes of high-ranking officials in the Mayor’s administration have further raised questions about the integrity of the administration and its dealings.
Source: TheCity.NYC
