Two Retired FDNY Chiefs Arrested for Alleged Corruption, Sources Say

Two former chiefs of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) were arrested early Monday morning after a year-long investigation into corruption, according to law enforcement sources.

Retired Chief Brian Cordasco was apprehended at his home on Staten Island, while Retired Chief Anthony Saccavino was taken into custody at his residence in Manhattan.

The indictment, unsealed Monday in federal court in Manhattan, accused Saccavino and Cordasco of “repeatedly abusing their positions of trust” by soliciting and accepting substantial bribes—amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. These payments were made in exchange for providing preferential treatment to certain individuals and companies.

Both chiefs were assigned to the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention, which oversees the installation of fire safety and suppression systems in buildings throughout the city. The indictment alleges that for around two years, Saccavino and Cordasco misappropriated their authority for personal financial gain.

Prosecutors revealed that the pair abused their power by prioritizing vital safety inspections for those willing to pay for expedited services. Allegedly, they accepted $190,000 in bribes to fast-track these inspections, establishing what U.S. Attorney Damian Williams described as a “VIP lane” for bribery.

Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker, who took office after the two chiefs retired, stated, “Every member of the FDNY takes a sworn oath to conduct themselves honestly and ethically. Anything less will not be tolerated.” He promised that the Department would fully cooperate with ongoing investigations, stressing that the safety of New Yorkers remains the top priority.

Earlier this year, the FBI conducted searches of the homes and offices of both retired chiefs. At that time, the FDNY had placed the chiefs on modified duty while the New York City Department of Investigation also searched FDNY headquarters.

While there is currently no evidence that the alleged scheme compromised building safety, FBI Assistant Director James Dennehy noted that it “eroded the public’s trust” and “tarnished” the reputation of the FDNY.

This alleged corruption scheme was reportedly uncovered as part of a broader investigation into whether New York City Mayor Eric Adams had accepted illegal contributions from Turkey in exchange for fast-tracking inspections of the new Turkish consulate.

A spokesperson for Mayor Adams emphasized that there is “no indication of any direct connection to anyone at City Hall.” They noted, “City Hall became aware of this operation when we were notified by FDNY this morning,” affirming that the FDNY continues to cooperate with the Department of Investigation, with no links identified to City Hall staff.

Adams, who is currently facing multiple corruption investigations—including one regarding the expedited building inspections—asserted that the alleged corruption involving the retired chiefs began under a previous mayor’s administration. He remarked, “It started under the previous administration. When the fire commissioner Laura Kavanaugh became aware of it she reported it.”

Cordasco has been quoted as expressing concerns about a so-called “City Hall List,” which prioritized certain building projects for FDNY inspections, as highlighted in the indictment.

The current Fire Commissioner, Robert Tucker, reiterated the Department’s commitment to cooperation in ongoing investigations. He reaffirmed that each member of the FDNY is sworn to act honestly and ethically, emphasizing that such misconduct will not be tolerated. “Keeping New Yorkers safe remains our top priority,” Tucker added.