Two retired FDNY chiefs charged with bribery and rushing inspections

September 16, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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CITYWIDE — Two Fire Department chiefs have been arrested on federal charges that they accepted almost $200,000 in bribes to expedite fire safety inspections, the Daily News reported on Monday, Sept. 16. A 43-page indictment, unsealed Monday in Manhattan federal court, charges Former FDNY Assistant Chief Anthony Saccavino and former Deputy Assistant Chief Brian Cordasco with counts of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud and lying to the FBI. At the time, Saccavino was head of the FDNY’s Fire Prevention Bureau and Cordasco was his subordinate.

Between 2021-2023, the pair allegedly conspired with a retired firefighter who owned an “expediting business,” then directed the members of their bureau to speed up the inspection process for that conspirator’s business in exchange for bribes, according to the indictment. Saccavino and Cordasco retired before the recent appointment of FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker, who replaced Laura Kavanagh when she resigned abruptly earlier this summer. Commissioner Tucker, who brings to the FDNY 25 years in law enforcement and as a prosecutor, has set a zero tolerance policy.

Tucker stated on Monday, “Every member of the FDNY takes a sworn oath to conduct themselves honestly and ethically. Anything less will not be tolerated. The Department will fully cooperate with any ongoing investigations. Keeping New Yorkers safe remains our top priority.”

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