On October 8, Mohamed Bahi, a former city government employee, was arrested and charged with obstructing a federal investigation into the fundraising activities of Eric Adams’ mayoral campaign. Bahi faces serious allegations, including witness tampering and destruction of records, each of which could result in a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Bahi worked as a senior liaison in the community affairs department of the mayor’s office from 2022 until October 2024. According to an indictment filed by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy, and DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber, Bahi participated in a December 2020 fundraising event for then-candidate Eric Adams, referred to in the indictment as “Official 1.” During this event, four employees of a construction company made contributions under their own names at the request and financial backing of their boss, identified as the “Businessman” in the indictment. This practice, known as “straw donor” contributions, allegedly violates federal law.
The indictment claims that as the federal investigation into these donations was underway, Bahi attempted to bribe several witnesses and destroy evidence to obstruct the inquiry.
On June 13 of this year, FBI agents executed a search warrant at the Businessman’s residence and issued subpoenas to him and the four donors. Following communications with Adams, referred to as “Official 1,” Bahi allegedly conveyed a message to the Businessman urging him to lie to investigators. He additionally advised the four donors to do the same. After a meeting with Adams on June 14, Bahi relayed that Adams had faith in the Businessman and believed he would not cooperate with law enforcement.
On July 24, FBI agents searched Bahi’s home and seized his phone. Just before their arrival, Bahi reportedly received a tip-off and swiftly deleted the Signal app, which he had been using to communicate with Adams. The indictment asserts that his actions were intended to destroy evidence and obstruct the investigation.
Williams underscored the seriousness of interfering with a federal investigation and emphasized that cases like this serve as a stark reminder of the law’s importance.
