Two former high-ranking FDNY chiefs were arrested for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for expediting fire inspections for favored building owners. They secretly received nearly $200,000 in illegal payments. The scheme involved a City Hall practice and a controversial program that prioritized certain inspections. The FDNY officials allegedly used these lists to cover up their corrupt actions. The investigation is ongoing, and cooperation from a former firefighter who acted as an expediter has been crucial. The City Hall officials deny the existence of the lists and emphasize the need for integrity within government agencies. The FDNY has re-inspected locations involved in the alleged scheme to ensure fire safety was not compromised.
FDNY Chiefs Accused of Corruption Scheme Involving Illegal Payments
In a recent development, two former high-ranking FDNY chiefs, Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, have been arrested and charged with engaging in a corruption scheme that involved expediting fire inspections for favored building owners in exchange for illegal off-the-books payments totaling nearly $200,000. The scheme reportedly operated under the guise of expediting inspections for customers who paid a former firefighter acting as an expediter to help them navigate the approval process for fire safety systems required to open new spaces and buildings.
According to federal prosecutors, property owners who benefited from the expedited inspections would then funnel cash payments to Saccavino and Cordasco, sometimes in discreet locations within the FDNY headquarters or during steakhouse dinners in Manhattan. The prosecutors described the scheme as a “pay-to-play” corruption scheme that created a VIP lane for faster service that could only be accessed through bribes.
The alleged scheme took advantage of a City Hall practice known as the “DMO List,” where expedited inspections were requested for favored individuals, including high-profile entities such as real estate developer SL Green, Amazon, Meta, and Hudson Yards. The indictment brought by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams referenced the existence of the Deputy Mayor for Operations list, indicating that the Bureau of Fire Prevention prioritized projects on this list at the request of City Hall officials.
Despite denials from Mayor Eric Adams and Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi regarding the existence of the DMO list, the scheme allegedly exploited this prioritization system to pressure individuals to expedite inspections in exchange for bribes. The investigation into the scheme began in Spring 2023 when FDNY officials alerted the city’s Department of Investigation of possible corruption.
One key figure in the scheme, Henry Santiago Jr., who acted as the alleged expediter, is reported to be cooperating with authorities and has pleaded guilty to charges related to his involvement in the case. Following the arrests of Saccavino and Cordasco, FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker emphasized the department’s commitment to upholding honesty and ethical conduct among its members and pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations.
In conclusion, the investigation into the corruption scheme involving illegal payments for expedited fire inspections is ongoing, with officials highlighting their determination to address the issue comprehensively. They urge individuals with knowledge or involvement in corrupt activities within the government to come forward and align themselves with the law. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service to maintain the trust and safety of the community.
Source: TheCity.NYC
