New York’s Mayor Eric Adams finds himself entangled in serious legal troubles as federal prosecutors have charged him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bribery. The indictment, unveiled this morning, details an alleged scheme lasting nearly a decade, focused on securing and accepting unlawful campaign contributions and gifts from representatives of the Turkish government.
According to the indictment, Adams and his associates utilized U.S.-based straw donors to funnel contributions from overseas, effectively circumventing federal regulations aimed at preventing foreign interference in U.S. elections. “By smuggling their contributions to Adams through U.S.-based straw donors, Adams’ overseas contributors defeated federal laws that serve to prevent foreign influence on U.S. elections,” the document states.
The indictment further outlines that affluent individuals managed to sidestep laws restricting donation amounts to political candidates. Corporations similarly worked around New York City’s prohibition on corporate contributions by channeling donations through various employees, undermining regulations meant to limit corporate influence in politics. Adams reportedly ramped up his campaign fundraising by accepting these hidden, illicit donations, which granted undue influence to his clandestine supporters.
In response to the charges, Adams has firmly denied the allegations, labeling them as “entirely false based on lies” in a social media post. He has resisted calls for resignation, maintaining his stance to contest the charges. This morning, during a press conference—a session interrupted by a heckler—Adams insisted he would fight to clear his name. Reports indicate that federal agents have seized his phone as part of the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams addressed reporters, asserting, “The conduct alleged in the indictment—the foreign money, the corporate money, the bribery, the years of concealment, is a grave breach of the public’s trust.” He emphasized that holding public office is a privilege, stating, “Mayor Adams abused that privilege and broke the law, laws designed to ensure that officials like him serve the people, not the highest bidder, not a foreign bidder, and certainly not a foreign power.”
The grand jury charged Adams with multiple offenses, including two counts tied to soliciting contributions from foreign nationals, a count of bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy related to wire fraud and accepting campaign contributions from foreign entities. The indictment alleges Adams used the straw donors to qualify for public matching funds during his 2021 mayoral campaign, which totalled over $10 million.
Particularly spotlighted in the indictment is a senior official from the Turkish diplomatic sector who allegedly facilitated many of these straw donations. Claims extend to Adams and his associates allegedly receiving complimentary travel from Turkey’s national airline along with luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, and lavish entertainment during their visits to the country.
The indictment alleges that in September 2021, a Turkish official reminded Adams that it was time to return the favor by pressuring the New York Fire Department to approve a new consulate building for a visit from Turkey’s president. It is indicated that the building would have failed an FDNY inspection at the time. After receiving bribes in the form of travel and other benefits arranged by the Turkish official, Adams reportedly coerced an FDNY official into compliance, threatening job loss for non-cooperation, ultimately enabling the skyscraper’s timely opening.
Elected mayor in 2021, Adams is now facing charges stemming back to his tenure as Brooklyn Borough president, which began in 2015. He is gearing up for reelection next year and has made history as the first New York mayor to be criminally charged while serving in office.
As political ramifications unfold, especially with the election on November 5 fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether the fallout extends beyond Adams’ office. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries commented, highlighting the gravity of the situation, stating, “The indictment of a sitting mayor is a serious and sober moment for New York City. Like every other New Yorker and American, Eric Adams is entitled to the presumption of innocence. That principle is central to the administration of justice in the United States of America.”