Two retired New York City Fire Department chiefs, Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, have been arrested on charges of bribery, corruption, and false statements. They are accused of soliciting and receiving bribes from 2021 through 2023 while working in the Bureau of Fire Prevention, which regulates fire safety systems in the city. The allegations against them have been called a betrayal of public trust by officials.
Saccavino’s lawyer, Robert Tsigler, denies the accusations and emphasizes Saccavino’s commitment to the fire department. The investigation surrounding the two former chiefs is part of a larger federal probe into corruption within Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. Authorities are also investigating a “City Hall List” that was allegedly used to prioritize projects submitted to the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
In a separate investigation, New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban recently stepped down as federal authorities targeted Mayor Adams and his top aides for alleged corruption. This investigation also involves Deputy Mayor Philip Banks III, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Schools Chancellor David Banks. Earlier in the year, Adams’ electronic devices were seized in connection with a probe into illegal Turkish funding of his 2021 mayoral campaign.
Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker has stated that the FDNY will cooperate fully with any ongoing investigations. The broader federal investigations into corruption within New York City’s government continue to develop, impacting high-ranking officials and prompting concerns about ethical practices and misuse of power.
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