In an ongoing investigation, FBI agents conducted early morning raids on Thursday at two Bronx homes belonging to Winnie Greco, a top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The FBI also raided the offices of New World Mall in Queens, which had served as the site for Adams' campaign operations.

These raids were initiated following investigations conducted by THE CITY, a news outlet that uncovered potential illegal straw donations linked to the mall. Greco, who held the position of Adams' director of Asian affairs, played a significant role in organizing eight fundraising events at the New World Mall, generating substantial funds for Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign.

Greco is the third individual associated with Adams to have their home raided by federal officials in the past four months. Brianna Suggs, Adams' former chief fundraiser, and Rana Abbasova, an aide in Adams' international affairs office, had their homes raided by the FBI in November.

According to THE CITY, employees of the New World Mall claimed that they were asked by their employers to make a $249 donation to the Adams campaign, which they were later reimbursed for. This practice, commonly known as a "straw" donation, is a criminal violation. It has already resulted in the prosecution of one group of Adams fundraisers by the Manhattan District Attorney, as well as a separate investigation by the U.S. Attorney's office into donors connected to the Turkish government.

The FBI raids began at around 6 a.m., with agents sealing off intersections near Greco's homes on Gillespie Avenue in the Bronx. The New World Mall in Flushing was also targeted during the operation. Witnesses reported a significant presence of FBI officials, with intersections cordoned off during the raids.

Greco is currently on leave from her position following the raids, as announced by the Mayor's press office. Her City Hall job, which pays $100,000 annually, is already under investigation by the city's Department of Investigation due to allegations of ethical improprieties. These include soliciting a $10,000 donation for a nonprofit she established and demanding unpaid work from a former Adams campaign volunteer.

Winnie Greco has been a longtime advisor to Mayor Adams, dating back to his tenure as the Brooklyn borough president. Throughout the years, Greco has played a crucial role in fundraising for Adams' campaigns and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of his political endeavors.

Mayor Adams' spokesperson released a statement in response to the raids, emphasizing the administration's commitment to adhering to the law and ethical guidelines. The statement also reiterated that the mayor himself has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

The FBI's investigation into Greco and the New World Mall continues, and further details are expected to emerge as the case unfolds.