A prominent real estate executive at Cushman & Wakefield, Diana Boutross, has had her phone seized by prosecutors as part of a growing investigation into corruption within New York City’s commercial real estate sector. The move comes amid a broader probe launched by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, targeting possible bribery and money laundering connected to the leasing of city properties. Boutross, who manages major city contracts, was one of several individuals whose devices were confiscated following a trip to Japan with close associates of Mayor Eric Adams.
Boutross, a vice chair at Cushman & Wakefield, had not been formally accused of any wrongdoing. Her involvement appears to stem from her handling of the city’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) account, where she has overseen leases for numerous city agencies. This includes a significant $40 million contract Cushman holds with the city to manage a critical 911 facility in the Bronx.
Watch as mayor Adams’ press secretary and acting Deputy Commissioner at NYC Department of Correction is harassing and assaulting community leader Dr. Mariam Singh at Gracie Mansion yesterday.
NYC is run by thugs and clowns.
pic.twitter.com/z62KGXHNvF— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) October 9, 2024
The investigation into Boutross is part of a larger corruption probe involving Mayor Adams’ administration. Among others targeted in the investigation is Jesse Hamilton, deputy commissioner of real estate at DCAS, and Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Adams' chief advisor, both of whom had their phones seized upon returning from the same trip as Boutross. Investigators are reportedly looking into whether any illicit actions were tied to real estate deals conducted during Mayor Adams' tenure.
The probe follows growing scrutiny on Adams’ inner circle, which has already been the subject of multiple corruption allegations. Earlier this year, federal prosecutors unsealed indictments involving bribery charges tied to Adams' office, adding to the mounting legal challenges.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams: “Every day in the police department, I kicked those crackers’ ass.”
I like how they don't hide who they really are anymore. pic.twitter.com/cVp7A0FAut
— Epstein's Sheet. 🧻 (@meantweeting1) March 17, 2024
As investigators expand their inquiry, attention is now focused on key contracts handled by Cushman & Wakefield, including a recent lease deal for office space at 110 William Street in Manhattan, one of the largest office agreements in New York last year.
Though Boutross has remained silent on the investigation, Cushman & Wakefield has responded by emphasizing its longstanding relationship with the city, spanning multiple mayoral administrations. The firm has managed millions of dollars in contracts for office space and other essential services. A Cushman representative stated, “We expect our employees to adhere to the highest ethical standards, and we are cooperating fully with investigators”.
The investigation has raised questions about the broader real estate practices in New York City, as Boutross has previously brokered significant deals on behalf of influential organizations, including The Trump Organization and Durst Realty. Her career has seen her navigate high-profile commercial and retail contracts across the city, earning her a reputation as a well-connected, yet private broker. Her ties to Mayor Adams, which include a campaign donation during his mayoral run, have only heightened interest in her role in city leasing.
As Manhattan prosecutors delve deeper into these high-stakes contracts, the investigation is likely to continue drawing attention. City officials, meanwhile, have refrained from offering detailed comments, leaving many questions unanswered about how the contracts were awarded and whether any undue influence was exerted on behalf of those close to Adams.
