NEW YORK — Federal prosecutors are set to charge an ex-aide to Mayor Eric Adams for soliciting illegal straw donations for the mayor’s 2021 campaign. This development indicates ongoing legal proceedings related to the mayor, despite considerations of dropping charges against Adams.
Mohamed Bahi is expected to plead guilty to a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, revealed this intention in a letter addressed to federal judges overseeing the case.
Background of the Case
Bahi, who resigned from his position as a liaison in the mayor’s community affairs unit in October, faced prior charges of witness tampering and evidence destruction. Allegations state that he coerced a campaign donor to provide false information to federal investigators.
The indictment identifies Bahi as the anonymous “Adams Employee-1” and accuses him of instructing Tolib Mansurov, the founder of construction firm United Elite Group, to instruct his employees to donate to Adams' campaign and then reimburse them. The indictment further alleges that Bahi orchestrated a scheme where Mansurov donated $2,000 of his own money and reimbursed four employees with $2,000 each to contribute to the campaign.
Following federal investigators' interview with Mansurov regarding the donations in June 2024, Bahi reportedly met with Mansurov and encouraged him to provide false information. Additionally, Bahi shared a photo of Mansurov’s subpoena with Adams, indicating that the mayor believed Mansurov would not cooperate with law enforcement.
Implications and Response
Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, maintains that there is no evidence implicating Adams in the straw donor scheme. The mayor’s trial is scheduled to commence on April 21, preceding the upcoming re-election.
While Bahi's plea was anticipated due to prior discussions with prosecutors, the decision by appointed U.S. Attorney Sassoon to proceed with the case against Adams underscores ongoing legal scrutiny. Adams has shown alignment with President Trump, who holds the authority to intervene on Adams’ behalf. Recent discussions between Adams' legal team and Department of Justice officials suggest potential considerations to drop the case.
In a separate development, construction executive Erden Arkan reached a plea agreement in January, admitting to making illegal straw donations to Adams’ 2021 campaign.