FDNY Chiefs Arrested in $190,000 Bribery Scandal
Two retired high-ranking New York City Fire Department (FDNY) chiefs were arrested early Monday as part of a federal corruption probe. Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, who worked in the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention, are accused of accepting over $190,000 in bribes to expedite fire safety inspections and provide preferential treatment to specific individuals and companies. According to an indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court, this corruption scheme is said to have taken place between 2021 and 2023.
Federal Charges and Bribery Allegations
The two men, both retired from their leadership roles within the FDNY, allegedly solicited and accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes over two years in exchange for fast-tracking safety inspections and reviews for specific projects in New York City. The indictment accuses them of leveraging their authority to provide unfair advantages to companies willing to pay for faster service.
As detailed in the indictment, Saccavino and Cordasco face serious charges, including bribery, corruption, and making false statements. Their arrests follow a long-running investigation led by federal authorities, including the FBI, which raided their homes and offices in February 2024.
The FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention Under Scrutiny
Both Saccavino and Cordasco worked in the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention, a division that regulates fire safety and suppression systems in residential and commercial buildings across New York City. It ensures public safety by enforcing fire codes and standards. However, the two former chiefs allegedly exploited their positions for personal financial gain, undermining the integrity of the city’s fire safety systems.
Authorities allege that the two men accepted over $190,000 in bribes from contractors and developers looking to bypass standard inspection timelines. This scheme compromised safety procedures, potentially putting the lives and properties of New York City residents at risk, raising serious concerns about corruption within one of the city’s most critical public institutions.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Saccavino was arrested at his Manhattan residence, while Cordasco was taken into custody at his home on Staten Island. Both are expected to make their initial court appearances in Manhattan later this week. Neither has commented on the charges as of Monday morning, and it remains unclear whether they have secured legal representation.
Following the FBI raids earlier this year, the FDNY placed both men on modified duty. Their arrests are part of a broader investigation into corruption within the FDNY’s inspection processes, which has been ongoing since 2023. The charges they face could carry significant penalties if they are convicted.
Connection to Broader Corruption Probes
Although this case does not appear directly linked to the ongoing federal investigations into New York City Mayor Eric Adams and his administration, it has been reported that some of the same federal agencies are involved in both investigations. There is no suggestion at this time that the FDNY bribery scandal is connected to the multiple corruption probes involving the mayor’s office. However, both cases involve fire safety inspections as a common thread.
These arrests add to the mounting pressure on Mayor Adams’ administration, which has seen the resignations of several top officials in recent weeks amid separate corruption investigations. As the FDNY scandal unfolds, it will likely erode public trust in the city’s leadership and its commitment to rooting out corruption.
The case raises questions about transparency and accountability in New York City’s public safety institutions. As federal prosecutors pursue charges against the two former FDNY chiefs, the city faces the challenge of restoring confidence in its fire safety systems.