New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the resignation of his deputy mayor for public safety, Philip Banks, as well as the departure of his director of Asian affairs, Winnie Greco, and the firing of former aide Rana Abbasova. These moves come amidst federal investigations involving high-ranking city officials.
Mayor Adams stated that Banks expressed a desire to transition to other pursuits to avoid hindering the city's work. Banks' resignation follows his brother, David Banks, the city's schools chancellor, stepping down earlier than planned at the mayor's request.
Adams faces an indictment for alleged acceptance of illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Federal prosecutors are conducting multiple investigations, including one into a consulting firm run by another Banks brother, Terence, for potential law violations related to city contracts.
All three Banks brothers deny any wrongdoing. Philip Banks' attorney clarified that his client is not a target of the investigation, with initial scrutiny focusing on insignificant payments related to poker games.
Despite calls for resignation, Mayor Adams remains steadfast in his position, asserting confidence in his ability to govern effectively amidst legal challenges and staff changes. Pressure to distance himself from implicated individuals has mounted, with several top officials resigning or being fired.
Philip Banks, appointed as deputy for public safety in 2022, previously served as the NYPD's highest-ranking uniformed member but resigned in 2014 due to a corruption scandal. Winnie Greco, who served as Adams' liaison to the Chinese American communities, faced scrutiny over political fundraising and potential misuse of her position for personal gain.
The federal charges against Adams include allegations of manipulating the city's matching funds program by soliciting campaign contributions from Turkish nationals through American proxies. The indictment implicates a former aide, likely Abbasova, who was placed on leave in 2023 when the federal probe began.
Adams' attorney has accused the former aide of providing misleading information to prosecutors. Greco's attorney did not respond to requests for comment, and Abbasova could not be reached for a statement.
