By: Noam Tedetsky

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s running mate, Adrienne Adams, is facing scrutiny after directing hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to a nonprofit now at the center of a widening federal corruption investigation, according to a report by the New York Post.

Adams, the former New York City Council speaker, allocated roughly $435,000 in discretionary city funding to Brooklyn-based BHRAGS Home Care Inc. between 2022 and 2025. As the New York Post reported, the funds were intended to support community programs such as youth services, senior assistance, and mental health initiatives.

However, the nonprofit has since come under intense federal scrutiny over allegations of fraud and kickbacks tied to lucrative migrant shelter contracts. Prosecutors are investigating whether individuals connected to the organization improperly benefited from millions of dollars in city-funded deals during New York City’s ongoing migrant crisis.

BHRAGS dramatically expanded its operations in recent years, transitioning from a home care provider into a major player in the city’s emergency shelter system. According to the New York Post, the organization secured more than $185 million in no-bid contracts tied to migrant housing, raising concerns about oversight and accountability.

While Adams herself has not been accused of any wrongdoing, critics are questioning her judgment in steering funds toward an organization that is now under investigation. Some political opponents have argued that the situation reflects broader issues with how public money has been distributed during the migrant crisis.

The probe has already ensnared several high-profile figures. As previously reported, federal authorities are examining the actions of City Councilwoman Farah Louis, her sister Deborah Louis — a former aide to Hochul — and political operative Edu Hermelyn. Investigators are looking into whether bribes or kickbacks were exchanged in connection with contracts awarded to BHRAGS.

The investigation has also led to criminal charges against individuals directly tied to the nonprofit. Prosecutors allege that executives and associates linked to BHRAGS were involved in a scheme that funneled more than $1 million in illicit payments connected to shelter contracts.

Despite the growing controversy, Adams has not been named as a target in the investigation, and there is no indication she has been contacted by federal authorities. Supporters have defended her actions, noting that the funding allocations were approved through standard City Council processes and that the nonprofit had passed vetting requirements at the time.

Still, the revelations have intensified criticism of how New York officials handled the surge of migrants and the billions of dollars spent on emergency housing. The use of no-bid contracts in particular has drawn backlash, with critics arguing it created opportunities for waste, fraud, and abuse.

The New York Post report underscores how the fallout from the federal probe could have political implications beyond those directly under investigation. With Hochul’s administration already under pressure over migrant-related spending, the controversy surrounding her running mate adds another layer of scrutiny.