F.B.I. agents conducted early Thursday searches at the residences of two senior New York Fire Department chiefs responsible for safety inspections oversight. Simultaneously, city investigators searched their offices at the agency’s headquarters in Brooklyn, as per sources familiar with the matter.
The corruption probe, led by the bureau, federal prosecutors in Manhattan, and the city’s Department of Investigation, commenced late last summer. Initially, it focused on whether the chiefs received nearly $100,000 each in a potential scheme to expedite or manipulate inspections, multiple sources disclosed.
Although neither Brian Cordasco nor Anthony Saccavino, the implicated chiefs, have faced allegations of misconduct, they were both placed on modified duty by the Fire Department. Requests for comment from the department went unanswered.
At Mr. Cordasco’s Staten Island residence, a man declined to comment and advised contacting his lawyer. Mr. Saccavino was unavailable for immediate comment, and it remained unclear whether either had legal representation.
The investigation, which began earlier this year, is exploring whether a retired firefighter made payments to expedite or influence fire inspections on various building projects, according to sources.
