NYC Mayor Adams Under Fire: $500K Monthly Payments to Indicted Developer
The New York City administration continues to pay over $500,000 a month to a hotel developer, Weihong Hu, who is under indictment for allegedly bribing a nonprofit CEO. This payment is raising serious ethical concerns, especially considering Hu's potential to testify against Mayor Eric Adams and his allies.
The Allegations Against Weihong Hu
Hu faces charges of bribing a nonprofit executive with cash and gifts in exchange for over $20 million in city-funded contracts. The indictment details stacks of cash and the purchase of a $1.3 million townhouse as part of the alleged scheme. Hu has pleaded not guilty.
Despite the indictment, the Adams administration continues to contract Hu's company for over $542,000 a month to host a non-profit program in one of her hotels. This fact has been confirmed by city officials.
Previous Investigations and Current Concerns
A previous investigation revealed Hu funneled illegal campaign contributions to Adams, allowed his top advisor to live in her hotel, and allowed his son to stay overnight with a companion. Following these revelations, federal investigators raided Hu’s hotel, further fueling suspicion.
<img src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6c862e07e02f284446367a4dcb8853adfae75efd/0_0_3000_2000/master/3000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none" alt="Weihong Hu leaving court.">Hu is now reportedly in plea negotiations with prosecutors. Experts suggest she might offer information about her dealings with the Mayor in exchange for leniency, making the ongoing payments deeply problematic.
Official Responses and Future Actions
The mayor’s office claims to be searching for an alternative hotel provider, but critics argue that they should act swiftly. The potential cost of this contract over the next three years could be close to $20 million.
The ongoing investigation and the potential for Hu to cooperate with prosecutors casts a long shadow over the Mayor and his administration.
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