Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) agents conducted searches on Thursday at two houses owned by Winnie Greco, a close aide to New York Mayor Eric Adams. The searches were part of an investigation in collaboration with prosecutors from the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn, as reported by sources familiar with the matter.

Additionally, federal agents executed at least one search warrant at the New World Mall in Flushing, Queens, where Mayor Adams had made appearances, including at a recent Lunar New Year gala. While the exact focus of the investigation remains undisclosed, it is not clear whether it is directly linked to Mayor Adams, who is already under a separate criminal inquiry by the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan.

Winnie Greco, a prominent fund-raiser for Mayor Adams during his campaign, holds strong connections within the Chinese community in New York City. Post the mayoral election, she was appointed as the director of Asian affairs in the mayor’s office. Greco’s active involvement in promoting cultural projects, such as the installation of an arch in the Sunset Park neighborhood, has solidified her position within the Asian American community.

While it remains unclear whether Greco has legal representation, attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful. The F.B.I. confirmed the law enforcement activity at her properties in Pelham Bay, Bronx, and the New World Mall but refrained from providing further details. The U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn, known for its scrutiny of Chinese government activities in the U.S., abstained from commenting on the ongoing investigation.

In response to the situation, Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams, stated that Greco is currently on leave from her role at City Hall. He affirmed that Mayor Adams has not been implicated in any misconduct and reiterated the administration’s commitment to upholding ethical standards.

The searches at Greco’s properties come in the wake of precedential raids on associates of Mayor Adams as part of a public corruption investigation. Notably, a specific focus of the earlier federal inquiry involved potential collaboration between Mayor Adams’s campaign and the Turkish government to receive illicit foreign contributions.

While distinctions in the investigative jurisdictions are evident, the recent searches underpin broader national efforts aimed at curbing alleged foreign interference activities, particularly those orchestrated by the Chinese government. Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York have spearheaded cases targeting Chinese initiatives within the U.S., citing instances of extralegal repatriation efforts and obstructive behaviors by Chinese intelligence agents.

As Mayor Adams endeavors to unite a diverse electoral base, Winnie Greco’s pivotal role in advocating for Asian American interests and fostering community relations underscores her significance within the administration. Her longstanding partnership with Mayor Adams, spanning over a decade, reflects a commitment to cultural exchange and civic engagement.

While recent reports have hinted at internal controversies related to Greco’s alleged solicitation of volunteer services for personal benefits, formal investigations led by municipal authorities continue to unfold. Mayor Adams’s measured response to these developments, emphasizing adherence to legal protocols and collaborative engagement with ongoing reviews, underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.