Dozens of public housing employees in New York City are facing charges of bribery and extortion following a major operation by the Justice Department. Last week, federal prosecutors in Manhattan announced the arrest of 70 current and former employees of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).

The charges stem from allegations that these employees accepted cash bribes from contractors in exchange for lucrative Housing Authority contracts. The arrests mark the largest number of such charges ever made in a single operation.

According to The New York Times, the investigation uncovered a widespread scheme involving NYCHA employees who abused their positions for financial gain. These employees are accused of facilitating corruption and undermining the integrity of public housing projects.

The case highlights the ongoing issue of corruption within public institutions, with federal authorities vowing to continue their efforts to root out dishonest practices in the system.