FBI searches homes of senior FDNY chiefs in corruption probe
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- The homes of two FDNY chiefs were searched Thursday morning as part of an ongoing federal investigation into building inspections.
The searches were part of the continuing investigation into whether required fire department inspections of buildings were being expedited with payments.
Anthony Saccavino is head of the FDNY's Fire Prevention Bureau. Brian Cordasco works for him at the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Investigators are looking into whether a retired firefighter steered building projects to the two chiefs for expedited inspection approvals.
Bribes for expedited safety inspections have been rumored internally for some time. When FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh heard the allegations last year, she notified the city Department of Investigation and placed the two on modified duty
Chiefs Cordasco and Saccavino are not being accused of wrongdoing. Their homes were searched in Staten Island and Brooklyn.
Investigators also executed a search warrant at the fire department headquarters.
The allegations they face are similar to allegations of expedited building occupancy approvals first raised during an FBI probe into Mayor Eric Adams' campaign fundraising. Though the two probes appear to be separate, there could be implications.
"It doesn't look good for the mayor because, again, here's an indication of a corruption investigation that may or may not be founded but occurred during his watch," said political consultant Hank Sheinkopf.
A spokesperson for Adams said there is "no indication of any direct connection to anyone at City Hall."
"City Hall became aware of this operation when we were notified by FDNY this morning," the spokesperson said. "The FDNY continues to cooperate with DOI, and there is no indication of any direct connection to anyone at City Hall."
The FDNY released a statement that said in part they are awaiting guidance from the DOI regarding further action:
"The FDNY's first priority is always keeping New Yorkers safe, and we expect every member of the department to act appropriately. As soon as Commissioner Kavanagh was alerted to these allegations last year, she immediately referred them to DOI to investigate them. Commissioner Kavanagh has proactively placed the employees at the center of this investigation on modified duty, and we are awaiting guidance from DOI regarding further action."
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