Federal authorities conducted a morning raid on Thursday at the Bronx home of Winnie Greco, an aide to Mayor Eric Adams, marking the latest action by federal law enforcement against a member of the New York City Democrat’s inner circle.

Following the raid, City Hall officials confirmed that Greco, who holds a $100,000-a-year position as a special adviser to the mayor and director of Asian affairs, has been placed on leave.

FBI raids home of longtime Eric Adams aide https://t.co/CEGcL7epaN

— POLITICO (@politico) February 29, 2024

The raid

Greco, a longtime ally of Adams, has been involved with the mayor for over a decade, serving as an informal liaison to Chinese American communities and contributing to his 2021 mayoral campaign.

The purpose of the raid was not immediately disclosed. However, Greco, also known as Zheng Qirong, came under scrutiny from the city’s Department of Investigation following reports by The City alleging that she attempted to solicit donations to a nonprofit organization she managed in exchange for access to a government event.

She was accused of requesting assistance from an Adams campaign volunteer to renovate her Bronx home's kitchen without compensation in exchange for helping secure a government position for him.

FBI confirms the report

An FBI spokesperson confirmed that agents from the New York office conducted a law enforcement operation at Greco's Pelham Bay residence.

Thursday's federal intervention follows a broader FBI raid conducted in November involving other Adams staffers.

During that operation, agents gathered evidence and conducted interviews across the city, including at the homes of campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs and international affairs aide Rana Abbasova.

This investigation reportedly focuses on potential collusion between Adams’ 2021 campaign and the Turkish government, although it remains unclear if it is linked to Thursday's raid.

The mayor's office

A spokesperson for the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, reportedly leading the investigation, declined to comment on the matter.

In response to the developments, a City Hall spokesperson emphasized the administration's commitment to compliance with the law and ethical standards.

Greco, a former food export business owner, also leads the Sino-America New York Brooklyn Archway Association, which advocates for the construction of a Chinese arch in Sunset Park's Chinese enclave.

The spokesperson reiterated that the mayor has not faced any accusations of wrongdoing following what is now the second investigation of a close staff member, with some suggesting the concerns could be related to Adams speaking out against the Biden administration over the migrant crisis in New York City.