Amid Adams scandal, former city hall official charged with destroying evidence

Mohamed Bahi, who resigned Monday from his job in Mayor Eric Adams' administration, was arrested early Tuesday morning for allegedly obstructing the investigation into the mayor and his campaign.

Bahi served as senior liaison in the Adams administration's community affairs until his resignation on Monday.

He was charged with witness tampering and destroying evidence.

According to the criminal complaint, Bahi allegedly told Adams campaign donors to lie to the FBI and deleted the messaging app Signal from his phone as agents arrived to search his house.

Previously, Bahi allegedly organized a 2020 fundraiser for Adams' mayoral campaign at the Brooklyn offices of a construction company. Four employees of the company made contributions in their own names, but those contributions were allegedly funded by the company's chief executive officer, prosecutors said.

Bahi allegedly "obstructed a federal criminal investigation by instructing witnesses to lie and then destroying evidence," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement.

"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," Williams said in the release. "Our commitment to uncovering the truth and following the facts wherever they may lead is unwavering."

Bahi appeared briefly before a federal magistrate Tuesday and was released on a $250,000 bond.

In addition to the bond, Bahi must surrender his passport, remain within the five boroughs, Long Island and New Jersey and have no contact with witnesses or the mayor.

Bahi must also seek employment, the judge said.

The indictment comes amid a sweeping investigation into Adams' office, culminating in charges for Adams himself and others in his orbit. Others have resigned or had their homes raided and electronic devices seized by investigators.

Adams is the first sitting New York City mayor to face a criminal indictment.

He has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including bribery and fraud, and has refused calls to step down as mayor.