NEW YORK, NY – Federal authorities are scrutinizing New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ use of private email addresses and the disappearance of records from seven trips he made to China. The investigation, which has garnered significant attention, raises questions about the transparency and legality of the mayor’s actions.
According to sources familiar with the probe, Mayor Adams utilized three private email addresses to coordinate his activities during his trips to China. These trips, which occurred between 2014 and 2021 when Adams served as Brooklyn Borough President, have sparked concerns about their funding and the individuals he met with during his travels.
One of the trips was reportedly partially funded by the Chinese Communist Party, further complicating the matter. The use of private email accounts has made it difficult to trace these interactions on New York City government servers, leaving key details obscured.
The investigation gained momentum after FBI agents were seen leaving the Bronx home of Winnie Greco, Adams’ top aide and director of Asian Affairs since he took office in 2022. Greco, who has been under scrutiny for her political fundraising activities, allegedly used nonofficial emails alongside Adams.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams’ office emphasized the need for a thorough search by authorities to uncover any missing documentation. The spokesperson noted that the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office had been asked to correct the record and conduct a more diligent search for the missing records.
The probe into Adams’ China trips follows an earlier investigation by the city’s Department of Investigation into Greco’s activities. Last November, questions arose about whether she used her position to gain personal benefits, including free housework from a city employee.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, federal investigators seized Mayor Adams’ cellphones and an iPad last year as part of an inquiry into whether his campaign received illegal contributions from foreign sources, potentially funneled through straw donors. This aspect of the investigation is believed to involve the Turkish government.
Despite the mounting scrutiny, Mayor Adams has deflected questions about the investigations, maintaining that he has not been officially accused of any wrongdoing. His administration has reiterated its commitment to following the law and adhering to strict ethical guidelines, pledging full cooperation with any ongoing reviews.