Federal agents have directed the NYPD to preserve electronic files as part of a corruption probe into Police Commissioner Edward Caban’s twin brother, James Caban.
The investigation is focused on allegations that James Caban used his influence within the NYPD to offer security services to New York City nightclubs, promising protection in exchange for hiring his consultancy company’s employees.
The evidence preservation letter was delivered to the NYPD’s legal bureau, and police sources say the feds believe there could be crucial evidence on the department’s hard drives and servers. Investigators are looking into whether James Caban used his connections to precinct commanders, his brother, or other top officials in exchange for financial gain.
Federal agents have already seized the phones of several high-ranking NYPD officers, including Assistant Chiefs James McCarthy and Kevin Williams Sr., as well as precinct commanders in areas with a high concentration of clubs. The IRS is also part of the investigation, suspecting financial transactions between Caban’s company and the clubs.
Earlier in the week, federal agents raided the homes of Edward and James Caban, along with other top officials in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. While the NYPD has stated that it is cooperating fully with the investigation, police sources are concerned about the toll this could take on the department, particularly amid fears of rising mental health issues among officers.
