Federal Agents Raid Hotel Linked to NYC Mayor’s Campaign Contributions
Federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on Thursday at a Long Island City hotel owned by Weihong Hu, a developer accused of illegal campaign contributions tied to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The hotel, located in Queens, operates a city-funded shelter program for formerly incarcerated individuals, generating millions in city contracts for Hu’s business, according to sources.
The raid is part of an ongoing criminal investigation led by federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York. Authorities have not disclosed specific details about the operation’s focus.
Developer’s Ties to Mayor Adams Under Scrutiny
Hu was previously the subject of an investigative report by The Guardian, in partnership with The City and Documented, which revealed she secured lucrative city contracts following fundraisers for Mayor Adams. Hu’s attorney, Kevin Tung, suggested the raid might be unrelated to her, attributing it to possible issues involving the social services program at the site.
“Maybe it has nothing to do with her,” Tung said. “She rents this place to the city. The city is running the place. Maybe there are people making trouble.”
Federal Probe Extends to Former Aide
This raid follows earlier searches of properties tied to Winnie Greco, a former Adams aide with close connections to Hu. Greco lived for several months at another Hu-owned hotel, which also hosted a city-funded shelter program. Their association came under scrutiny amid allegations that Hu reimbursed campaign contributions made at fundraisers for Adams.
Greco has since resigned from her city position and has declined to address allegations regarding her involvement in Adams’ campaign fundraising. Tung has denied any wrongdoing by Hu, calling the accusations unfounded.
City Administration Distances Itself
Kayla Mamelak Altus, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams, reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency and compliance with legal standards.
“Mayor Adams has been clear that this administration is dedicated to following and upholding the law, and we will continue to cooperate with any law enforcement requests, including those unrelated to the mayor,” Altus said.
Shelter Program Not Implicated
Elizabeth Koke, a spokesperson for Housing Works, the nonprofit managing the shelter program at Hu’s hotel, stated the raid did not target their operations or clients.
“Housing Works was not the target of the action by federal authorities—nor were any of the clients Housing Works serves at this site,” Koke said. “We will continue to provide the highest quality services to all clients at over 30 locations throughout New York City.”
Growing Concerns Over Transparency
As federal investigations continue, questions persist about the intersection of city politics, campaign fundraising, and the allocation of government contracts to Hu. The probe highlights broader concerns over ethics and transparency within the Adams administration.