New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, recently celebrated the Lunar New Year at Gracie Mansion. Amidst the festivities, however, significant changes were underway in his administration, marking a turbulent period for the City Hall.
A key figure in Adams’ team, Winnie Greco, resigned from her post. Greco had been a longtime aide to Adams and has held a vital role as a liaison to the city’s Asian communities. Greco’s resignation came following a raid on her homes by federal authorities. Despite the invasive event, Greco maintained her decision to leave was of her own volition, free from any apparent pressure from City Hall.
Concurrent to Greco’s departure, two other community liaisons in Adams’ administration, Rana Abbasova, and Mohamed Bahi, have also left their positions. In a controversial revelation, Abbasova is alleged to be a key cooperating witness in a federal case agains Adams. Accusations against Adams consist of a collection of illegal foreign campaign donations, participation in a scheme to deceive the city’s campaign finance matching funds program, and allegedly accepting upgraded flight arrangements in exchange for favors to the Turkish government.
For a decade, Winnie Greco served as a high-profile volunteer “ambassador” for Adams. She had a pivotal role in promoting Adams’ relationship with the borough’s Chinese community, counseling him on the events to attend and introducing him to significant Chinese delegations. Greco’s activities were expansive, she traveled with Adams worldwide, including on numerous trips to China, and she co-founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a “friendship archway” between Beijing and Brooklyn.
During Adams’ 2021 campaign for mayor, Greco played a vital role in securing substantial funds for his campaign within the Chinese community. She was instrumental in connecting Adams with supporters who contributed small donations to tap into the city’s public campaign matching funds program. This program offers $8 for every $1 donated by city residents, up to the first $250.
Despite the assistance Greco offered to the campaign, her actions have been under scrutiny for potential irregularities. Reports suggest that she demanded a $10,000 donation to her nonprofit as the ticket to a Chinese-based event with Adams at Gracie Mansion. Other allegations are that she promised to help a campaign volunteer get a city job if he helped with her home renovations. She allegedly continued to compel him to assist with construction-related tasks and other personal business while on the job.
Even before her recent resignation, Greco had been implicated in a range of controversies. She reportedly resided in a Queens hotel under contract to house former prison inmates, and the Department of Investigation opened a probe into her following these allegations. Amidst the turbulence, Greco was hospitalized following a “medical episode,” leading to a temporary absence from her role.
After her recovery, Greco continued working in her new post at the Community Affairs Unit, even appearing at the Korean Parade in Midtown. However, she refrained from participating in the parade after an encounter with a reporter.
This series of departures from the administration, including that of Greco, Abbasova, and Bahi, along with the ongoing investigations, undoubtedly bring significant shocks to the structure of Mayor Eric Adams’ office. The subsequent developments in the City Hall will shape the direction and efficiency of Adams’ governance.
