NYPD reassigns another high-level chief amid federal corruption probe

MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- New York City police officials have reassigned another high-ranking officer amid a federal probe into whether officers accepted gifts from businessmen with ties to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

On Wednesday, the NYPD said Deputy Chief Andrew Capul was moved to an administrative position pending further review.

He is the head of Patrol Borough Manhattan North. His union said Capul wasn't a target of the probe and the reassignment sullies his good name.

The NYPD didn't say why Capul was reassigned other than it was connected to the probe.

Federal agents interviewed at least 20 officers on whether they accepted gifts in exchange for favors from two businessmen who gave money to de Blasio's 2008 mayoral campaign and others.

On Wednesday, de Blasio said his administration is taking action.

"I authorized yesterday a lawyer representing my 2013 campaign to reach out to the U.S. Attorney's office and offer any assistance we can provide, let them know we're happy to work with them in any way that can be helpful" said the mayor.

Police Commissioner William Bratton announced a shakeup last week in the NYPD. Four high-ranking officers were re-assigned as the FBI's corruption investigation grows larger.

At issue is the question of whether officers exchanged special favors for gifts from the Orthodox Jewish community.

Eyewitness News has learned the latest player caught in the FBI's crosshairs is Hamlet Peralta, the former owner of the now-closed Hudson River Cafe in Harlem. Peralta is charged with running a $12 million Ponzi scheme. However, the scheme is reportedly unrelated to the focus of the corruption investigation.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)