FBI searches home of another aide to New York City mayor

NEW YORK, Feb 29 (Reuters) - FBI agents searched the New York City home of a senior policy adviser to Mayor Eric Adams early on Thursday, according to News 12.

The FBI, which typically does not publicly discuss ongoing investigations, did not respond to questions about the search, opens new tab by dozens of agents at the Bronx home of Winnie Greco.

But it comes after the FBI seized the mayor's electronic devices in November and searched his chief fundraiser's home as part of a criminal inquiry into whether Adams' 2021 election campaign team conspired with a Brooklyn construction company and the Turkish government to illegally obtain foreign donations, the New York Times has reported.

Greco could not be reached for comment and it was unclear whether she had an attorney. She went on leave from work on Thursday, according to City Hall. She has volunteered and worked with the mayor for many years, both as a fundraiser on his election campaign and presently as his adviser for Asian affairs.

A spokesperson for the mayor released a statement repeating earlier statements that the mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing. No one has been charged in the federal investigation into the mayor's campaign fundraising.

"Our administration will always follow the law, and we always expect all our employees to adhere to the strictest ethical guidelines," the statement said. "As we have repeatedly said, we don't comment on matters that are under review, but will fully cooperate with any review underway."

The FBI also searched two other properties on Thursday including a second home belonging to Greco, the New York Times reported, citing unnamed officials.

In November, the city's Department of Investigation opened an inquiry into Greco at the request of City Hall following a report by The City news outlet that she had tried to benefit from her government position in violation of city ethics rules.