The IRS and federal prosecutors in Manhattan are behind the investigation into NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and other top police brass as part of a new probe — adding to multiple other criminal investigations swirling around Mayor Eric Adams‘ inner circle, a law enforcement source told Gothamist.
The IRS investigation is not linked to the FBI raids at the homes of three top aides to Mayor Eric Adams earlier this week, the official said.
The official, who requested anonymity to speak about an active investigation, said numerous federal officers served multiple search warrants to Caban and other police officials.
The official said a warrant was also served to a member of Caban’s family. Two sources within the nightlife industry say James Caban, the commissioner’s brother and a former police officer, acts as a consultant for nightclubs and music venues in New York City. Media outlets reported Friday night that the investigation centers around whether James Caban was paid by bars and restaurants to gain favorable treatment from police.
In an email, a spokesperson for the IRS Criminal Investigation declined to comment or answer questions about the case.
News that Caban and police are facing their own federal investigation, on top of an FBI probe into the mayor’s top aides, adds to already significant legal woes for the mayor as he heads toward re-election.
Adams’ own campaign is facing at least two investigations — from the FBI and Manhattan District Attorney. Another aide, Winnie Greco is also the target of a federal investigation. And this week, the FBI visited the home of Deputy Mayor Philip Banks as well as the home of Adams’ First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright which she shares with schools chief David Banks, Philip’s brother.
At least two City Councilmembers have called for Caban to resign following news that he’s under investigation.
“He’s the head of the NYPD. He is the symbol of the NYPD. So, that’s why it’s a bad look at this point. It’s a shadow over the department,” said Councilmember Bob Holden of Queens.
No one answered Friday at a phone number associated with James Caban’s address in Rockland County’s New City neighborhood.
The NYPD said on Thursday that it was cooperating with federal investigators, but declined to comment on the nature of the probe or the officials involved.
“Due process, let the review continue,” Mayor Eric Adams told WPIX on Friday, “I believe the information I turned over, whatever was asked of me, is going to reveal I did nothing wrong.”
Jon Campbell contributed reporting.