The complaint, alleging RICO violations, was filed by former interim NYPD commissioner Thomas Donlon. “This enterprise—the NYPD—was criminal at its core," said Donlon's complaint.

Four high-ranking former New York City police officials are accusing Mayor Eric Adams and his top deputies of doling out promotions to unqualified allies as part of a scheme that also involved alleged cash bribes paid to the ex-police commissioner.

The allegations were made in a lawsuit filed by a former chief of detectives, James Essig, who said he was forced out of the NYPD after raising concerns about the promotions.

The former chiefs argued in court papers they lost their jobs after raising concerns that unqualified officers connected to then-police commissioner Edward Caban were being promoted to sensitive positions in the department.

Four former NYPD chiefs sue NYC Mayor Eric Adams alleging corruption, favoritism and bribery in police department appointments and promotions.