Ahsan Chughtai, a former Muslim community liaison to Mayor Adams, had his Staten Island home raided by federal and city authorities this summer. The raid took place on July 24, the same day another ex-Muslim community liaison to Adams, Mohamed Bahi, also had his residence searched. Bahi resigned from his City Hall post on Monday and now faces criminal charges related to a federal corruption investigation that resulted in Adams’ indictment last month.
It is uncertain if the raid on Chughtai’s home is connected to the charges against Bahi and Adams. Chughtai was fired on Sept. 30, with no reason given for his termination. The Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office, FBI, and city’s Department of Investigation declined to comment on the matter.
The charges against Bahi allege that he directed a construction company owner to lie to federal authorities about illegal donations to Adams’ 2021 campaign. The indictment also mentions Adams knowingly soliciting and receiving these illegal donations. Two Adams employees, including Bahi, are accused of helping set up the illegal donations.
Sources familiar with the situation claim that Bahi and Chughtai served as Muslim community surrogates for Adams’ 2021 campaign. The investigation continues, and more details are expected to emerge as the case unfolds.
By Molly Crane-Newman.
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