A former aide to the New York City mayor is facing serious legal trouble, adding to the mounting scrutiny surrounding the administration.
Mohamed Bahi, once a key advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of witness tampering and destruction of evidence, according to a report from The Guardian.
Bahi, who previously managed the mayor’s community affairs office, is accused of instructing witnesses to lie during a federal investigation into Adams' 2020 mayoral campaign. The investigation includes FBI raids and a series of resignations that have shaken the administration.
Federal prosecutors claim that Bahi deleted Signal, an encrypted messaging app he used to communicate with Adams, once he realized the FBI investigation was underway. The deletion of the app is seen as an effort to obstruct justice, particularly given its role in communications related to a December 2020 fundraiser for Adams’ campaign.
Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York, emphasized the gravity of the situation:
The charges unsealed today should leave no doubt about the seriousness of any effort to interfere with a federal investigation, particularly when undertaken by a government employee.
Bahi’s arrest comes amid a broader investigation into Adams and his associates. At least three federal probes are currently underway, focusing on corruption within the administration.
In September, Adams was charged with five counts of public corruption, including bribery and violations of campaign finance laws. The mayor has pleaded not guilty and expressed confidence that he will be vindicated.
During a public statement on Tuesday, Adams reiterated his commitment to serving his full term and running for re-election. He stated:
I am going to serve my term and run for the election. I think when both sides of this come out, people are going to have a second look at this entire event that’s taking place.
The investigation has already led to significant turnover within the mayor’s administration. High-profile resignations, including that of Adams’ chief legal adviser, have fueled concerns about the mayor’s ability to lead the city effectively while defending himself against the allegations.
Although New York Governor Kathy Hochul has the authority to remove Adams from office, she has so far refrained from doing so. Hochul, who faces her own re-election in 2026, has reportedly advised Adams to "clean house" and regain public trust. However, the governor has remained tight-lipped about the details of her private conversations with the mayor.
Governor Hochul's choice to stay out of the situation might stem from concerns about suburban elections and her political aspirations. Removing Adams could cause political unrest, which she aims to avoid.
With the November congressional elections approaching, many political observers are watching closely to see how the ongoing investigations might impact the mayor’s re-election bid and the broader political landscape in New York.
Mohamed Bahi, a former aide to Eric Adams, was arrested on Tuesday for charges related to witness tampering and evidence destruction. The arrest is part of a larger federal investigation that has brought multiple corruption charges against the mayor of New York City. While Adams has pleaded not guilty and insists on serving his full term, his administration faces increasing pressure amid ongoing FBI raids and staff resignations.
