NEW YORK — A former aide to Mayor Eric Adams of New York City is currently in negotiations with federal prosecutors concerning a potential plea agreement, as revealed in recent court documents. Mohamed Bahi, previously the chief liaison for the Muslim community at City Hall, was apprehended last month during a broad investigation focused on Adams and the fundraising activities associated with his campaign, which ultimately led to the mayor facing corruption accusations in September.
In a court document made public this week, officials indicated that discussions are occurring between Bahi’s legal representative and prosecutors regarding the possible resolution of his case. However, the filing did not provide specific details about the discussions, nor did it clarify whether accepting a plea agreement would mean that Bahi would need to assist federal authorities in their ongoing inquiries.
Questions directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan went unanswered, and Bahi’s attorney, Derek Adams, also did not respond to requests for comments.
Eric Adams has maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing related to accusations that he accepted bribes tied to lavish international trips and illegal campaign contributions from individuals connected to foreign governments, including a diplomat from Turkey. Bahi, age 40, faced charges two weeks after Adams in connection to a distinct fundraising operation. Prosecutors allege that he urged a Brooklyn construction company owner to reimburse employees for their donations to Adams’ campaign, thereby enabling the campaign to fraudulently secure public matching funds.
According to the indictment, following inquiries from FBI agents to the construction company owner this summer, Bahi advised the owner to mislead investigators. He alleged that Adams had indicated the owner should not cooperate with law enforcement. Moreover, as agents approached to search Bahi’s residence in July, he reportedly deleted an encrypted messaging application from his phone used for communication with Adams.
Adams, a member of the Democratic Party, has refuted claims of instructing any city worker to provide false information and has pledged to continue serving in his role while contesting the charges against him. Nonetheless, this investigation has significantly impacted City Hall, resulting in the departures of several top personnel, including the police commissioner and the schools chancellor.
Recently, Adams’ long-time partner, Tracey Collins, announced her retirement from her position as a senior advisor within the Department of Education. Prosecutors allege that Collins traveled with Adams on several overseas trips that were either complimentary or heavily discounted courtesy of a Turkish official seeking to gain from Adams’ influence.
During a hearing last month, Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten highlighted that authorities are actively pursuing several interconnected investigations, suggesting it is likely that more individuals may face charges, and additional counts could be forthcoming against Adams himself. A trial for Adams is slated to commence in April.