New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban has resigned following a federal investigation into possible influence peddling involving his brother.
Caban stepped down after federal agents searched his home and seized his devices as part of a probe that raised concerns within the Adams administration, as WSET reports.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Caban's home, taking his cellphones and other electronic devices. The search took place just one week before his resignation, which came amid an investigation into potential misconduct involving his brother, James Caban, who runs a nightclub security business.
The investigation has raised significant questions about potential influence peddling connected to James Caban’s business. Edward Caban, who became police commissioner in July 2023, made the decision to step down after spending more than 30 years with the New York Police Department. He emphasized that recent developments were distracting from the NYPD’s mission.
In his resignation letter, Caban wrote about his dedication to the department and the need to ensure that the department’s focus remains on its vital work. "I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work," Caban stated, explaining that his decision to resign was for the good of the NYPD.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged Caban's departure and supported his decision, stating that it was the best course of action for the department. Adams said the NYPD deserves leadership that can stay focused on serving and protecting the city without distractions.
Edward Caban’s resignation adds to growing concerns about broader federal investigations connected to Adams’s administration. The investigations extend beyond Caban and involve Adams's own conduct, including a federal inquiry into the mayor’s overseas trips and potential ties to the Turkish government.
In November, FBI agents seized Mayor Adams’s cellphones as part of these investigations, though no one has been charged with a crime. Adams has denied any wrongdoing and has emphasized that his administration remains focused on adhering to the law and serving the city.
Federal officials have been tight-lipped about the ongoing probes, with neither the FBI nor the U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan commenting publicly on the matter.
Edward Caban's resignation marks the end of a career that began in 1991. Having risen through the ranks of the NYPD, Caban became the first Hispanic police commissioner in the city's history, a milestone for the department.
Caban's departure comes at a time when the NYPD faces various challenges, and the federal probe has created additional strain on the department's leadership. The commissioner’s resignation was an effort to prevent further distractions from hindering the NYPD's mission.
The federal investigation into potential influence peddling involving Caban’s brother remains ongoing, with no further details released by authorities. The scope of the investigation and its potential ramifications for the Adams administration are still unfolding.
As the NYPD moves forward, Mayor Adams will be tasked with appointing a new commissioner to steer the department through these turbulent times, while the federal investigation continues to loom over City Hall.
