Mohamed Bahi, a former liaison to the Muslim community in New York City under Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, has been charged with encouraging illegal straw donations and obstructing justice in an ongoing federal campaign finance probe. Bahi, who resigned from his position on Monday, is accused of instructing a businessman to solicit illegal contributions from four of his employees and later lying about the scheme to federal investigators.
The federal indictment alleges that Bahi directed the businessman to use his employees as “straw donors” — individuals who contribute to a political campaign in their own names but are reimbursed by another person to bypass legal donation limits. This practice is illegal under U.S. campaign finance law, which places caps on how much an individual can donate to political campaigns to prevent undue influence.
Additionally, Bahi has been charged with witness tampering and destroying evidence related to the investigation. Prosecutors allege that he attempted to hinder the FBI’s investigation by instructing witnesses to withhold information and by deleting communications that could have implicated him in the scheme. The federal probe has grown in scope, with multiple layers of the Adams administration now under scrutiny.
Mayor Eric Adams, who has not been directly charged in connection with the campaign finance violations, is reportedly a central figure in the investigation. The inquiry is focused on irregularities in donations to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign. Federal investigators have raised questions about the involvement of certain city officials in illegal fundraising activities.
Bahi’s resignation comes amid mounting pressure on the mayor’s office. Several other city government officials have either resigned or come under investigation as the case has unfolded. These include a senior Adams campaign advisor and a deputy commissioner, both of whom have been accused of improper fundraising practices and are being investigated for their roles in facilitating similar schemes. Their departures have fueled speculation about the extent of the campaign finance violations within Adams’ political network.
The charges against Bahi mark a significant development in the probe, which is one of the most serious investigations to hit the Adams administration since he took office. City Hall has not issued a formal comment on the charges, though Mayor Adams has previously maintained that his campaign followed all legal fundraising guidelines.
Legal experts suggest that the investigation could lead to further indictments as federal prosecutors continue to examine evidence of illegal campaign contributions and possible corruption within city government. The case has sparked concern among political observers about the transparency and ethics of campaign financing in New York City, casting a shadow over Adams’ tenure as mayor.
As the case progresses, many are questioning the future of key figures within the administration and how the scandal may impact Mayor Adams’ political career moving forward. With more resignations and indictments possible, the investigation is expected to remain in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
