The disappearance of New York City Mayor Eric Adams' former advisor, Winnie Greco, has raised eyebrows across political and legal circles. Greco, previously serving as the Asian Affairs advisor and a known fundraiser, is under investigation by federal authorities and has not been seen publicly for some time. Reports suggest that she might be cooperating with federal officials in probes involving Mayor Adams and his associates.
According to the New York Post, the scope of the federal investigation surrounding Winnie Greco has expanded to include several City Hall officials, following allegations of bribery and money laundering.
Greco’s relationship with City Hall began to unravel following an FBI raid on her Bronx properties in October, an event that precipitated her resignation from her advisory role. This raid was part of a broader series of inquiries targeting individuals close to Mayor Eric Adams.
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a close friend to Greco and another aide to Mayor Adams, surrendered to authorities shortly after Greco's disappearance. Lewis-Martin faces charges related to a $100,000 loan to her son, which has been described in the indictments as involving bribery and laundering activities.
Over the weekend following her surrender, Lewis-Martin resigned from her position, becoming the most senior official charged since Mayor Adams' indictment on similar charges in September.
Speculations about Greco’s current whereabouts have led to theories about her possibly staying in China, her country of birth, where she still maintains significant ties. These speculations were supported by comments from sources close to the investigation, though they have not been officially confirmed.
Federal investigations are also focusing on Greco's role in organizing private emails and trips to China for Adams during his earlier political tenure as Brooklyn Borough President. Authorities are scrutinizing these arrangements to determine if they involved improper or illegal practices, such as the utilization of straw donors for fundraising events connected to Greco.
Another intriguing aspect of the investigation includes the promises allegedly made to a volunteer who performed kitchen renovations in exchange for political favors, pointing towards a deeper layer of corruption and unethical conduct within the Mayor’s circle.
Parallel to the investigation into Greco and her associates, there have been recent guilty pleas from individuals connected to foreign influence operations within the U.S. Chen Jinping, involved with a "secret police station" operation run by China in Manhattan, accepted charges of acting as an illegal foreign agent.
Additionally, Yaoning "Mike" Sun, was indicted for similar activities in Southern California, underscoring the international dimensions of the investigative interests.
Despite the flurry of legal activity and media speculation, Greco's attorney, Steven Brill, has firmly denied that she is cooperating with federal prosecutors. "Greco is not cooperating in any prosecutions,” Brill stated, seeking to quell rumors about her involvement in the case against Mayor Adams and his aides.
At a City Hall event in May 2022, Lewis-Martin referred to Greco as "my sister" and expressed a deep personal bond with her, calling their group including Mayor Adams "one family." These personal connections highlight the close-knit nature of the relationships within Adams’ administration.
In conclusion, the investigation into Winnie Greco's activities and her sudden disappearance continue to intrigue and disturb New Yorkers. The implications of her potential cooperation with federal authorities could be vast, affecting not only her direct associates but also the broader political landscape of New York City.
The charges against Lewis-Martin, alongside Greco's suspected whereabouts and the involvement of international actors, paint a complex picture of potential corruption reaching beyond local government to international shores.