Nadia Shihata, who convicted R. Kelly, tapped to oversee corruption investigations
Mayor Mamdani Names R. Kelly Prosecutor to Lead City Corruption Watchdog Agency
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Thursday that he is nominating Nadia Shihata, a prominent federal prosecutor who played a key role in convicting musician R. Kelly in 2021, to serve as Commissioner of the city’s Department of Investigation. Shihata would become the first woman of color to lead the agency if confirmed by the City Council. Her appointment reflects Mamdani’s stated commitment to rooting out corruption and holding public officials accountable.
Understanding Shihata’s Background and Experience
Shihata brings substantial experience in complex criminal investigations. She previously led the organized crime and gangs section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, where she focused on racketeering and violent crime prosecutions. She also served as deputy chief of the office’s public integrity section, overseeing investigations into public corruption cases. Her role in the R. Kelly prosecution was significant. In 2021, federal prosecutors secured a conviction against Kelly on multiple charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking, with Shihata as part of the prosecution team.
Additional Major Cases in Shihata’s Record
Beyond the R. Kelly case, Shihata led investigations into serious allegations at the federal level. She oversaw a probe into the sexual abuse of female inmates by correctional officers at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. That investigation resulted in criminal charges against officers who perpetrated abuse in the facility. After leaving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Shihata co-founded Corva Law LLP, working as a defense attorney and handling civil rights cases.
What the Department of Investigation Does
The Department of Investigation serves as the city’s inspector general and corruption watchdog. The agency has authority to investigate any New York City agency, officer, elected official, or employee suspected of wrongdoing. DOI can investigate fraud, waste, and abuse across city government. The department also examines those who do business with the city or receive benefits from city programs. Shihata indicated her understanding of the agency’s critical role in ensuring government integrity. In a statement, she said DOI helps ensure city government can tackle big challenges effectively while “operating with integrity, accountability and fairness for all New Yorkers, no matter their background, economic status or proximity to power.”
The Confirmation Process
Christopher Ryan currently serves as acting commissioner of the Department of Investigation. Shihata’s nomination requires confirmation by the City Council. The confirmation process provides an opportunity for the public and council members to question her qualifications and vision for the agency. Her track record in high-profile prosecutions and public corruption cases suggests she has the experience to manage a complex investigation agency.
Mamdani’s Anti-Corruption Agenda
Shihata’s nomination is part of Mamdani’s broader effort to establish an administration focused on government accountability. The new administration has emphasized the importance of rooting out corruption and ensuring that city employees and officials serve the public interest. At the announcement, Mamdani stated that Shihata “will oversee an independent oversight body, tasked with rooting out corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse across city government.” He added that she would investigate “any agency, officer, elected official or employee of the city who does not fulfill the public trust,” as well as those who do business with or receive benefits from the city.
What This Means for City Accountability
Shihata’s background in organized crime and corruption prosecution suggests a serious approach to investigating wrongdoing in city government. Her experience with federal cases may bring new perspectives to city-level investigations. For more information on government accountability and anti-corruption efforts, see the Department of Justice website. Information on the Department of Investigation is available through the city’s official website. More on public integrity and government ethics is available through the Public Integrity Section.
