FIRST ON FOX: A scathing whistleblower letter alleges corruption inside New York City’s powerful hotel workers union, including claims that union leaders accepted gifts from hotel executives, manipulated lease arrangements and improperly influenced union business in a culture of quid pro quo dealings — claims that were corroborated by union sources who spoke with Fox News Digital.The letter, reviewed by Fox News Digital, asserts that top officials within the New York Hotel Trades Council and UNITE HERE Local 6, including President Richard Maroko, participated in actions that violated internal policies, fiduciary obligations and possibly federal law.The union denies all allegations of impropriety and organized two internal investigations carried out by third-party lawyers who found the whistleblower's claims to be unsubstantiated.Fox News Digital spoke with the whistleblower and multiple sources with knowledge of the union’s inner dealings but is not identifying them by name due to fear of retaliation.EXPLOSIVE REPORT UNEARTHS PROMINENT UNION MONEY TRAIL LABELED A 'STUNNING BETRAYAL' OF MAGA MEMBERSNEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 16: Rich Maroko, president of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, speaks during a NYC mayoral candidate, former New York Gov.
Andrew Cuomo a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Rally at the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council building on June 16, 2025 in New York City.Cuomo attended a GOTV rally with members of several unions as early voting in the crowded Democratic primary to replace Mayor Eric Adams.
(Photo by Michael M.Santiago/Getty Images) (Getty Images)"Mr.
Maroko had personal knowledge of, and either directly participated or directed others to misappropriate millions of dollars of retail income," the letter states."He accepted and allowed his Elected Officers to accept gifts of Hotel Rooms, Liquor, Gourmet Food and Electronic Items from Hotel Officials on a Quid Pro Quo System."A source with intimate knowledge of union operations told Fox New...