Officials involved in safety inspections are alleged to have received large sums of money related to construction projects.
Two high-ranking New York Fire Department chiefs were arrested on federal bribery and corruption charges for allegedly accepting nearly $100,000 each to expedite safety inspections. The chiefs, Brian E. Cordasco, 49, and Anthony M. Saccavino, 59, oversaw safety inspections on building projects. Their homes and offices were searched by federal agents and city investigators in February, and they are expected to appear in United States District Court in Manhattan. The case is not related to ongoing federal corruption investigations involving Mayor Eric Adams and his administration, but it does involve fire safety inspections.
The arrest of the two chiefs adds to the scrutiny facing Mayor Adams and his administration, which has seen the recent resignations of two top officials amid corruption investigations. The charges against Cordasco and Saccavino highlight the seriousness of corruption within the fire department and the need for transparency and accountability in public service. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards in government agencies to maintain public trust and ensure the safety of the community.
Source: The NY Times
