N.Y.C. Mayor Eric Adams’ Adviser Allegedly Tried to Bribe a Reporter With Cash in a Potato Chips Bag

New York City Mayor’s Adviser Accused of Attempted Bribery

Winnie Greco, a close adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has been suspended from his re-election campaign after allegedly attempting to bribe a journalist with a bag of cash hidden in a potato chip packet. The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday, Aug. 20, during an event in Harlem where Greco gave Katie Honan, a journalist at The City, a bag of chips containing over $100 in cash.

Greco, who previously served as the mayor’s director of Asian affairs at City Hall, had volunteered for Adams’ second term campaign. Following the event, Honan discovered the cash in the bag of chips and attempted to return it to Greco, who had already left the area. The City subsequently reported the incident to the NYC Department of Investigation, leading federal prosecutors to contact the newspaper’s lawyers.

In response to the allegations, Greco admitted to making a mistake and apologised for her actions, attributing it to a cultural misunderstanding. Her attorney, Steven Brill, explained that in Chinese culture, the gesture of giving money symbolises friendship and gratitude. He emphasised that Greco’s intentions were innocent, despite the suspicious nature of the incident.

Adams’ campaign spokesman, Todd Shapiro, expressed shock at the reports and clarified that Greco had been suspended from all volunteer campaign activities. He affirmed the mayor’s commitment to upholding ethical and legal standards in his campaign. This incident follows previous scrutiny of Greco’s ties to alleged Chinese government interference in the 2021 mayoral race, which led to a search of her Bronx home in February 2024 and her subsequent resignation from Adams’ administration in October of the same year.

Greco’s actions come amidst looming corruption charges for some of Adams’ associates and supporters, as noted by The New York Times. Representatives for Greco, Adams, and relevant authorities have not yet responded to requests for further information on this matter.

The situation raises questions about the ethical conduct of public officials and their associates, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in political campaigns. Bribery allegations can have serious consequences for individuals involved, as seen in this case with Greco’s suspension from the re-election campaign. It underscores the need for thorough investigations and adherence to legal and ethical standards in political operations.

The cultural aspect of the incident, as explained by Greco’s attorney, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, showcasing the importance of understanding different cultural practices and norms in diverse environments. While Greco may have intended the cash gesture innocently based on cultural traditions, the perception of the act within a different context raises concerns about potential misconduct.

As the story unfolds, it will be essential for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the incident and any implications for the mayor’s campaign. The spotlight on this attempted bribery case sheds light on the intricacies of political operations and the need to uphold integrity and honesty in all dealings, especially in positions of public trust. Adhering to legal and ethical standards remains paramount in maintaining public confidence and ensuring accountability in governance.

Overall, the alleged bribery attempt by Mayor Eric Adams’ adviser has sparked controversy and raised important questions about ethical conduct and cultural sensitivities in political environments. The outcome of this incident will be closely monitored as it unfolds, shaping the narrative around political campaigns and the expectations placed on public officials and their associates.