
(Scypre.com) – New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces a federal indictment accusing him of participating in a decade-long corruption scheme involving wealthy Turkish nationals and government officials. According to the 57-page indictment, Adams received over $100,000 in free plane tickets and luxury hotel stays in exchange for political favors and illegal campaign contributions.
The alleged scheme began when Adams was Brooklyn borough president in 2014 and continued through his mayoral campaign and tenure as mayor. One of the key favors included pressuring the New York Fire Department to approve the opening of a Turkish consulate building that had failed a fire inspection.
The indictment, unsealed on Thursday, outlines Adams’ involvement with a group of influential Turkish nationals, including a diplomat, a promoter, a university chairman, an airline manager, and a hotel owner. These individuals allegedly provided Adams with luxury travel and entertainment, which he concealed through fake paper trails and deleted communications, prosecutors say. Between 2016 and 2021, Adams received free or upgraded business-class tickets for international trips to countries such as India, France, and Turkey, valued at over $123,000.
Adams and his staff allegedly used U.S. citizens to funnel foreign donations into his 2021 mayoral campaign, securing more than $10 million in matching public funds under false certifications. At the height of the campaign, Adams reportedly attempted to disguise a free airline ticket by asking the Turkish airline manager to charge him a nominal fee to avoid suspicion.
The indictment also details how Adams supported the opening of a Turkish consulate building by pressuring the FDNY to approve the skyscraper despite significant safety concerns, ultimately risking the job of the fire official responsible for its inspection.
Adams, 64, is now charged with five counts, including bribery and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, marking the first time in modern history a sitting New York City mayor has been indicted. Speaking shortly after the indictment was made public, Adams defiantly vowed to fight the charges and remain in office, urging the public to withhold judgment until his defense is presented.
However, calls for his resignation have emerged from several prominent New York politicians, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and state Sen. John Liu. Yet, leading figures like Sen. Chuck Schumer and Gov. Kathy Hochul have refrained from demanding Adams’ resignation.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams highlighted the significance of the case, stating that the scheme aimed to secure influence with a “single New York City politician on the rise.” FBI assistant director James Dennehy echoed this sentiment, noting that the indictment serves as a reminder that no one is above the law.
The indictment also provides insight into the relationship between Adams and Turkish officials, particularly during his 2021 mayoral race. Turkish nationals involved in the scheme were eager to leverage Adams’ potential presidency for the benefit of Turkey. After his election victory, one promoter expressed hopes of being appointed to a representative role and exploiting Adams’ political power for Turkey’s lobbying efforts.
As the investigation continues, authorities suggest more individuals may face charges. FBI agents recently seized Adams’ phone for the second time during a raid on Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence. His lawyer criticized the raid as unnecessary, stating that Adams would have willingly turned over the phone. The FBI has declined to comment further.