New York City’s Corrupt Politicians

New York City’s Most Corrupt Politicians: Proven Scandals, FBI Cases, and the Fall of Power

New York City may be the city that never sleeps — but when it comes to political scandals, it’s also the city that never learns. From billion-dollar bribery schemes to brazen abuse of power, New York’s corrupt politicians have repeatedly turned public office into personal profit, leaving a trail of broken trust and taxpayer betrayal.

For decades, New York City’s political stage has produced both reformers and rogues. While the Big Apple shines as a global hub for finance, media, and culture, its political underbelly tells a darker story — one dominated by greed, deception, and backroom deals.

From the fall of once-powerful governors like Andrew Cuomo and Eliot Spitzer, to the multimillion-dollar corruption cases of Sheldon Silver and Pedro Espada Jr., New York’s legacy of political corruption runs deep.

In this documented exposé, we uncover the truth behind the most corrupt politicians in New York, exploring the investigations, convictions, and scandals that rocked the Empire State. Each case serves as a stark reminder that even in America’s most iconic city, power can be both a gift — and a curse.

1. Governor Andrew Cuomo

Andrew Cuomo has had his share of controversies and scandals throughout his career as the 56th governor of New York.

Issues like the Buffalo Billion Scandal, COVID-19 nursing home deaths, Sexual Harassment Allegations and the Book Deal Controversy finally ended in Cuomo’s resignation from office on August 24, 2021.

The former governor denied all allegations several times. Despite investigations by the office of the general attorney, Cuomo was never charged .

Andrew Cuomo Proven corruption

• His administration was accused of under-reporting COVID-19 nursing home deaths by thousands, and manipulating public data. A U.S. House committee referred him to the DOJ for “criminally false statements” tied to a state audit. New York Post+1

• Separate investigations found his “top-down” handling of the pandemic, especially in nursing homes, created confusion and risk for vulnerable residents. AP News

• He resigned August 24 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations (multiple women accused him of unwanted touching, inappropriate comments and retaliation).
  Key takeaway: The combination of public trust violations, misuse of office for personal/book deals, and death-toll cover-ups place Cuomo firmly on the list of most corrupt in New York.

2. Joseph Bruno

Former Majority Leader of the New York State Senate (1994-2008) who allegedly used his office for personal business arrangements while holding public power. He resigned from office in 2008 and was convicted on two felony counts. and Also Joseph Bruno aquitted Fraud in Rental.

It was found that he used his political position to benefit companies he was consulting for. The Supreme Court overturned his conviction. It later ended in acquittal.

But his political career has already severely suffered from his legal battles. After the corruption cases, Bruno retired.

Joseph BrunoProven Corruption

• Charged (2009) with honest-services mail fraud for soliciting payments disguised as consulting from groups with interests before the legislature. archives.fbi.gov+1

• At trial, evidence showed he got ~$3.2 million in disguised consulting payments from firms with interests before his Senate office. archives.fbi.gov+1

• He was convicted of two counts in 2009 (mail/wire fraud) but his conviction was later overturned on appeal in 2011, and he was eventually acquitted in 2014. Department of Justice+1
  Key takeaway: Even though legal outcome ended in acquittal, the documented pattern of pay-for-influence and concealment makes Bruno a major corruption figure in New York.

3. NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver

Silver, who served as the New York State Assembly Speaker from 1994 to 2015, has played a huge role in the political corruption in the USA.

He was arrested and convicted on seven felony counts in 2015.  Silver’s arrest was considered as the most significant takedown of a New York politician in recent history.

Real estate and Tax breaks were two of the charges against Silver.  The former NYS Assembly Speaker  served time in prison until his death in 2022.

Sheldon Silver Proven corruption:

• Arrested January 22 2015 for allegedly using his official position to obtain nearly $4 million in bribes/kickbacks disguised as legal referral fees. Department of Justice

• Prosecutors documented two income streams: roughly $700,000 in kickbacks from real estate developers, and over $3 million in asbestos-client referral fees tied to state grants he directed. Federal Bureau of Investigation+1

• Convicted in November 2015 on multiple counts (honest-services fraud, extortion, money laundering) and sentenced in May 2016 to 12 years in prison. Department of Justice+1
  Key takeaway: A textbook case of high-level corruption, abuse of legislative power for personal gain — Silver is one of the most corrupt politicians in New York history.

4. Eliot Spitzer

Known as the “Sheriff of Wall Street” for his aggressiveness, he was a former Governor of New York whose career was cut short by a personal scandal. Eliot Spizer announced his resignation in 2008 after being caught in a prostitution scandal in D.C.

The NY Times broke the story that Spitzer had been involved with a high-end prostitution ring, Emperor’s Club VIP. On March 12, 2008, Spitzer resigned from governorship due to public outrage after  only 14 months in office.

Despite investigations and potential legal consequences, the former governor was not criminally  charged.

Eliot Spitzer Proven corruption

• Known as “Sheriff of Wall Street” for his prosecutorial zeal, Spitzer resigned March 12 2008 after revelations that he was involved with a high-end prostitution ring (Emperor’s Club VIP).

• Though he was not criminally charged, his behavior undermined his role as public leader and violated public trust.
  Key takeaway: While not classical “pay-for-play,” Spitzer’s scandal is emblematic of corruption in power (abuse of position, hypocrisy) and adds to New York’s roster of corrupt politicians.

5. Pedro Espada, Jr.

Pedro Espada Jr, a former New York State Senate Majority Leader, is considered as one of New York’s most notorious and corrupt politician of all time due to his involvement in several corruption scandals.

The 70-year-old former leader’s career was marred by political controversy, legal battles, and eventual conviction on federal charges related to embezzlement.

Scandals such as the Embezzlement from Soundview, False Residency Allegations and Violations of Campaign Finance Law caused Espada’s resignation from office.

He was indicted on six federal counts of embezzlement and theft on December 14, 2010 and left office in January 2011.

Pedro Espada, Jr. Proven corruption:

• Indicted December 14 2010 on six federal counts of embezzlement and theft related to Bronx non-profit clinics (Soundview Healthcare Center) and false residency claims. Wikipedia

• Sentenced June 14 2013 to five years in prison for theft of federal funds and filing a false tax return. Department of Justice
  Key takeaway: Espada’s case shows how state-level leadership positions can morph into personal financial schemes at the expense of vulnerable communities.

6. NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

Eric Schneiderman served as the 65th Attorney General of New York. In 2018, Schneiderman resigned after a New Yorker report revealed that our women had accused him of physical and emotional abuse.

The allegations were particularly damaging because Schneiderman was a self- proclaimed advocate of women’s rights and supported the #MeToo Movement as well.

He resigned within three hours after the publication of this article.

Eric Schneiderman Proven corruption:

• In May 2018, multiple women publicly accused Schneiderman of physical and emotional abuse; he resigned immediately. CNBC+1

• Although not convicted criminally (statute of limitations issues), the investigative records document multiple, alarming accusations of non-consensual violence by a public law-enforcement leader. Axios+1
  Key takeaway: Schneiderman’s case may lack a criminal conviction, but the dissonance between his public role (rights-advocate) and private behavior (abuse) is a form of corruption of ethics and trust.

7. Anthony Weiner

Anthony Weiner is a former U.S. Representative from New York who served from 1992 to 1998. Weiner’s political career fell apart when he was found guilty in a sexting scandal that became a media sensation.

He was accused of sending obscene materials to a teenager. In 2011, he sent a lewd picture of himself over Twitter. Later, he  resigned after the behavior came to light.

Anthony Weiner Proven corruption:

• In 2011, Weiner sent a lewd photograph over Twitter; subsequent revelations included obscene messages to minors.

• He pled guilty in 2017 to one count of transferring obscene material to a minor (for separate incident) and served prison time.
  Key takeaway: While not classic financial corruption, Weiner’s betrayal of public trust through sexual misconduct made him one of New York’s politically corrupt figures.

8. NYS Comptroller Alan Hevesi

Alan Hevesi was a New York State Assemblyman from 1971 to 1993 and the New York State Comptroller from 2003 to 2006. Hevesi’s political career was marred with controversies and corruption allegations.

Hevesi was accused of using state employee to chauffeur his wife.  This sparked public outrage and was one of the few reasons why Hevesi resigned in 2006.

He Allen Hevesi pleaded guilty to a felony for his role in a pay-to-play scheme involving the state’s pension fund.

Alan Hevesi Proven corruption:

• Pleaded guilty in October 2006 (or around then) to a felony for a “pay-to-play” scheme involving the state pension fund: he allowed investments in return for personal benefits. CBS News

• He had campaign donors or political allies receive favored treatment in fund investments; family travel expenses were paid by firms seeking pension fund business. CBS News+1
  Key takeaway: Hevesi exemplifies financial corruption in the management of public pension money—big trust, big betrayal.

9. Dean Skelos

Skelos is another high-ranking politician with a political career embroiled in several corruption scandals.  In 2015, Skelos and his son Adam were arrested on  federal corruption charges.

The former leader was accused of using his powerful position to extort businesses for payments and jobs benefiting his son. Soon after this, Skelos resigned from office.

Dean Skelos Proven corruption:

• In 2015, Skelos and his son Adam Skelos were arrested on federal corruption charges: they were accused of extorting payments and jobs for Adam from businesses seeking state contracts.

• Though I don’t have a direct link right now in this summary, the case is well-documented in Justice Department press releases and media.
  Key takeaway: Skelos’ case demonstrates influence-peddling and family-based corruption at high legislative levels in New York.

As New York City continues to evolve, the legacy of its most corrupt politicians serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between power and abuse. From backroom deals to blatant self-serving agendas, these figures have shaped the city in ways that still resonate today.

Yet, even in the face of scandal and infamy, New York’s resilient spirit endures. It’s clear that corruption may change faces, but the need for reform remains constant.

Corruption in New York politics is not a relic of the past — it’s a recurring cycle that tests the very foundation of democracy. From kickbacks and bribery to abuse of public funds and moral hypocrisy, these politicians demonstrate how easily influence can turn into exploitation.

Much like the corrupt politicians in New York City, his involvement in scandalous activities highlights how corruption transcends borders, affecting both local and national governance. To explore how his corrupt practices shaped South Africa, read our article on Former President of South Africa and His Legacy of Corruption.

Yet, despite decades of scandal, New Yorkers remain resilient. The exposure of these cases — through federal investigations, court documents, and media scrutiny — shows that accountability, though delayed, is still possible.

As voters, journalists, and citizens, the lesson is clear: never stop asking questions. Transparency and vigilance are the only tools strong enough to prevent the next “most corrupt politician” from rising again.

👉 For verified case documents, FBI press releases, and DOJ indictments on each politician, explore the full case list below.