Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
A former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, Andrew Nguyen, has been charged with bribery, narcotics, firearms, and robbery offenses related to his alleged involvement in a drug trafficking enterprise while serving as an officer. The indictment was announced by Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, NYPD Commissioner.
Nguyen was arrested on Tuesday morning and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres.
“The NYPD is the most professional and most effective police department in the world,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “New Yorkers rely on and trust the women and men of the NYPD. As alleged, Andrew Nguyen not only breached that trust for profit, but he also committed crimes against his fellow New Yorkers. New Yorkers, including our thousands of dedicated NYPD officers, want him brought to justice.”
Assistant Director in Charge Raia stated: “Andrew Nguyen allegedly levied his official position as an NYPD officer to accept more than $30,000 in bribes in exchange for transporting narcotics and providing unauthorized armed protection to their illicit operations. Nguyen’s alleged support to a drug trafficking enterprise directly violated the oath he swore to uphold as well as the public’s trust. While the vast majority of our NYPD partners are deeply committed to honoring their duty to protect and serve, the FBI will never tolerate those who besmirch the badge for personal profit.”
NYPD Commissioner Tisch added: “The NYPD holds its officers to the highest standards, and it’s an affront to our department when someone so blatantly abuses the public’s trust,” she said. “Andrew Nguyen allegedly endangered the communities he was sworn to protect and put his fellow officers’ lives in danger. The NYPD has zero tolerance for corruption of any kind, and I thank the members of the department who investigated this case and our partners in the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their support in rooting out this misconduct.”
According to court documents and statements made during proceedings:
Between 2020 and November 2023, Nguyen is accused of abusing his role by soliciting over $30,000 in bribe payments from another individual (“CC-1”) while assisting CC-1's drug trafficking activities.
Nguyen allegedly transported drugs—including about eight kilograms of cocaine—while armed with his service weapon and using official police credentials intended both for evading law enforcement detection and providing protection during potential violence.
He also drove CC-1 to meetings related to drug deals while carrying his firearm and police identification materials.
Nguyen is further accused of accessing confidential police databases at CC-1's request regarding other drug dealers; offering—at least once—to arrest a rival dealer for payment; conducting an unsanctioned car stop under false pretenses using an official vehicle; submitting misleading reports about these incidents; conspiring with associates regarding kidnapping or robbing other individuals involved with drugs (although some plots were not executed); as well as participating in an undercover operation where he agreed to transport what he believed were five kilograms of cocaine for $5,000.
During today’s search of Nguyen’s residence following his arrest, authorities reported finding multiple firearms—including loaded pistols (one with hollow-point ammunition), AR-15-style rifles (including a short-barreled variant), high-capacity magazines loaded with ammunition—and substantial additional ammunition supplies.
Nguyen faces multiple federal charges:
- Honest services wire fraud (up to 20 years)
- Conspiracy charges
- Bribery solicitation/receipt
- Conspiracy/distribution relating to significant quantities of cocaine/marijuana (mandatory minimums ranging from 5–10 years up to life imprisonment)
- Firearm possession linked with drug trafficking
- Conspiracy/attempted Hobbs Act robbery
Sentencing guidelines are determined by Congress but actual sentencing will be decided by a judge if convicted.
U.S. Attorney Clayton commended investigative efforts by both FBI agents and members of NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau.
The Public Corruption Unit along with Narcotics Unit within Clayton’s office are overseeing prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. King and Jonathan Rebold.
