NYC Gazette

A former New York City Hall official, Mohamed Bahi, has been charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence in a federal investigation concerning unlawful contributions to a 2021 mayoral campaign. The announcement was made by Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office; and Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI).

Bahi was arrested and is scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger in Manhattan federal court.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated: “As alleged, Mohamed Bahi obstructed a federal criminal investigation by instructing witnesses to lie and then destroying evidence. The charges unsealed today should leave no doubt about the seriousness of any effort to interfere with a federal investigation, particularly when undertaken by a government employee."

FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy commented: “Mohamed Bahi, a former senior New York City Hall official, allegedly interfered with an active investigation by ordering third parties to lie to federal agents and deleting potentially incriminating correspondence from his personal electronic devices."

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber added: “As charged, this former City Hall official advised witnesses to lie and destroyed evidence in connection with the investigation of straw contributions to the 2021 Mayoral campaign."

The complaint alleges that between 2022 and October 2024, Bahi worked as a Senior Liaison in the Community Affairs Unit within the mayoral administration of "Official-1." In December 2020, he organized a fundraiser for Official-1’s mayoral campaign at which straw contributions were allegedly made.

Since 2021, an FBI and DOI investigation has been examining these contributions. In June 2024, Bahi reportedly instructed others to lie during this ongoing federal investigation after FBI agents executed search warrants related to the case.

On July 24, 2024, further action included executing a search warrant at Bahi's home where his cellphone was seized after he deleted an encrypted messaging app used for communication with Official-1.

Bahi faces one count each of witness tampering and destruction of records—each carrying potential penalties up to 20 years in prison.

Damian Williams commended both FBI and DOI efforts on this case handled by his office's Public Corruption Unit led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hagan Scotten, Celia V. Cohen, Andrew Rohrbach, and Derek Wikstrom.

Charges remain allegations unless proven otherwise through due legal process.

For tips related to bribery or fraud involving NYC employees contact DOI at tipline@doi.nyc.gov or call (212) 825-2828; self-disclosure can be made via SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program at USANYS.WBP@usdoj.gov.