Federal agents conducted a raid on Thursday morning at the Bronx home of Winnie Greco, a special adviser to NYC Mayor Eric Adams and director of Asian affairs. The raid follows an investigation by the city’s Department of Investigation into allegations that Greco solicited donations for a nonprofit she ran to grant access to a government event. She is also accused of asking an Adams campaign volunteer for unpaid help in renovating her kitchen in exchange for assistance in securing a government job.
Raid Details
Law enforcement officials, including the FBI, descended on Greco’s home for an undisclosed reason. The raid resulted in City Hall officials confirming Greco’s placement on leave from her $100,000-a-year role. The goal of the raid remains unclear, but it follows recent scrutiny of Greco’s actions related to her nonprofit and campaign volunteer.
Background
Winnie Greco, known as Zheng Qirong in Chinese, has been a longtime ally of Mayor Adams, serving as an informal liaison to Chinese American communities and assisting with his 2021 mayoral campaign. However, her recent involvement in controversies, including the solicitation of donations and alleged quid pro quo arrangements, has put her under the spotlight.
Ongoing Investigations
The FBI’s raid on Greco’s home is the latest in a series of actions against members of Mayor Adams’ inner circle. In November, the FBI conducted a broader raid involving other Adams staffers, part of an investigation into alleged collusion between Adams’ 2021 campaign and the Turkish government. It is unclear if Thursday’s raid is connected to this investigation.
City Hall Response
City Hall officials emphasized adherence to ethical guidelines and cooperation with ongoing reviews. The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing, according to a City Hall spokesperson. Greco, a former owner of a food export business, also leads the Sino-America New York Brooklyn Archway Association.
The raid on Winnie Greco’s home adds another layer of complexity to investigations surrounding Mayor Adams’ associates. As federal authorities continue their inquiries, the outcomes may have implications for the administration and its commitment to ethical standards.
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