Recent actions taken by the FBI have cast a wide net over New York City government, with electronic devices having been seized from top police officials to aides close to Mayor Eric Adams as part of a criminal probe.

The FBI's inquiry is reportedly delving into alleged corruption involving misuse of positions and illegal foreign campaign contributions, among other illicit activities, the implication of which could reach all the way to D.C., as the Daily Mail reports.

This intensive investigation escalated with the FBI confiscating NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban’s phone last Thursday, signaling the gravity of the ongoing probe.

The raid did not stop there, as NYPD Chief Raul Pintos and two precinct commanders in Queens and Manhattan also saw their phones taken by federal agents.

FBI Targets Close Aides To Mayor Eric Adams

Simultaneously, the homes of several key figures associated with Mayor Eric Adams were searched. Among those targeted were Deputy NYC Mayor Phil Banks and Sheena Wright, shedding light on the scope of this expansive investigation.

The federal agents conducted their searches meticulously, entering Wright’s townhouse in Hamilton Heights, upper Manhattan, and Banks’ property in Hollis, Queens.

These simultaneous raids at the residences of Adams' confidantes suggest a coordinated effort to gather substantial evidence.

Moreover, Terence Banks, a former MTA official and current lobbyist, also found himself a target during these operations. The broader implications of these searches hint at a deep-seated network of influence and alleged corruption within the city administration.

Separate Probes Reveal Wider Corruption Concerns

In a related but separate thread of the investigation, Timothy Pearson, another top aide to Mayor Adams, reportedly had his phones subpoenaed. This action underlines the multifaceted nature of the federal scrutiny facing the city’s leadership.

The investigations have been intensifying over recent months. Notably, in November, the FBI seized personal communication devices from Mayor Adams himself, including his cell phone and laptop, and also raided the home of his campaign treasurer, Brianna Suggs.

These aggressive moves by the FBI aimed to uncover potential misconduct and illicit activities, specifically probing into a suspected kickback scheme involving illegal foreign donations purportedly from the Turkish government to Adams' campaign.

High Profile Targets And Alleged Kickback Schemes

February saw further action as Winnie Greco, another Adams confidante and the Director of Asian Affairs at the mayor’s office, had her homes raided. Greco, currently on leave, faces allegations of misusing her position to secure personal benefits.

Continuing their broad examination, in July, Adams, his campaign, and City Hall received grand jury subpoenas. These demanded details concerning the mayor’s schedule, overseas travel, and possible links to the Turkish government, highlighting the international dimensions of the investigation.

Amid this sprawling investigation, Sheena Wright, as one of Adams’ first appointments and now the most senior aide to have her home searched, finds herself at the heart of the controversy.

Wright is engaged to school chancellor David Banks, who is the brother of Phil Banks, linking her to another significant figure in this unfolding saga.

Phil Banks' Controversial Past And Family Connections

Phil Banks, a former police officer, has his own contentious history. He was previously named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a separate police bribery scandal, which may add layers to the current investigations involving figures close to the mayor.

The recent FBI actions, including raids and subpoenas, are part of a deliberate strategy to flip someone within Adams’ inner circle.

This approach indicates that federal investigators are looking for insiders who might cooperate against others involved in the alleged corruption.

The intricacies of these investigations show a determined effort by the FBI to untangle a web of corruption that appears to be woven deeply into New York City's political fabric.