Former Mayor Adams’ aide Mohamed Bahi admits guilt in straw donor scheme.

In a significant development in a public corruption investigation, Mohamed Bahi, a former aide to Mayor Eric Adams, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court to conspiracy related to illegal straw donations made to Adams’s 2021 mayoral campaign. This plea marks Bahi as the second individual convicted in connection with a case that has seen substantial political ramifications amid ongoing scrutiny of the mayor’s fundraising practices.

Bahi, who is 41 years old, admitted to his involvement in orchestrating a December 2020 fundraiser where employees of a construction company made fraudulent contributions to Adams’s campaign, intending to be reimbursed after the fact. During the proceedings, Bahi indicated that he had been directed to carry out these actions by a campaign volunteer and acknowledged the illegality of seeking matching city funds with these improper donations.

The federal charges against Bahi, which were filed in October, are linked to a broader public corruption case that accused Mayor Adams of various offenses, including bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy. The allegations trace back to his tenure as Brooklyn borough president and involve soliciting contributions from foreign nationals, most notably officials with ties to the Turkish government. Despite the serious nature of these accusations, Adams has consistently refuted any claims of wrongdoing.

Bahi’s involvement escalated when prosecutors revealed he instructed a construction business owner, Tolib Mansurov, to contribute ,000 to the campaign in exchange for potential influence with Adams once he took office. The arrangement allegedly led to a straw donor scheme wherein employees were reimbursed for their donations. Following Adams’s election, it is alleged that the mayor maintained communication with Mansurov, including discussions regarding a stop-work order at a luxury development project linked to Mansurov’s company.

Bahi’s plea agreement aligns with similar arrangements made earlier by Erden Arkan, another individual accused of facilitating straw donations to Adams’s campaign. Under the terms of his agreement, Bahi has waived his right to appeal and will pay ,000 in restitution, along with up to ,000 in fines. His sentencing has been scheduled for November 18.

This case continues to unfold as both Bahi and Arkan provide insights into the intricate web of fundraising practices associated with Mayor Adams. The ongoing investigation raises significant questions regarding campaign financing and the integrity of political donations in New York City. As developments progress, the implications of these allegations could have long-lasting impacts on the Adams administration.

Media News Source