New York City Mayor Eric Adams charged with bribery and wire fraud

Prosecutors have filed charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, accusing him of five criminal offenses. These include bribery, wire fraud, and seeking unlawful campaign contributions from foreign sources.

The charges revealed on Thursday claim that Adams requested and received unlawful campaign contributions, as well as more than $100,000 (£75,000) in extravagant travel perks from Turkish businessmen and an official trying to gain his favor.

Adams, 64, a previous police officer, was elected nearly three years ago to oversee the largest city in the United States, with a commitment to take a strong stance against crime.

The mayor has denied any misconduct and dismissed requests for him to step down.

"At my press conference on Thursday, Adams urged New Yorkers to hold off on forming any opinions until they've heard our side of the story."

"I abide by the regulations and adhere to federal laws, ensuring that I steer clear of any involvement in illegal campaign activities."

During the press conference, New Yorkers frequently interrupted, expressing their anger towards Adams by labeling him a "disgrace" to the city and demanding "justice."

If found guilty, the mayor might be sentenced to a maximum of 45 years behind bars.

On Thursday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the authority to dismiss the mayor, announced that she was examining the allegations.

The 57-page indictment details a supposed plot of corruption and bribery that has been happening for ten years, starting during his time as the Brooklyn borough president. The documents claim that these unethical actions persisted even after he took on the role of mayor, involving luxurious trips abroad.

In a text conversation referenced in the indictment, a member of Adams' team and a manager from an airline talk about the accommodation arrangements for the mayor's visit to Turkey.

When the airline manager recommends the Four Seasons, the employee responds, "it's too pricey."

"Why should he be concerned? It's not like he's footing the bill," the manager responds.

"That's great," the staff member at Adams comments.

Prosecutors allege that the same employee requested the airline manager to bill Adams an inflated fare for his trip, in order to hide the preferential treatment he was receiving.

"The staff member mentions that the mayor's every move is currently under scrutiny and proposes charging him $1,000 for a trip to Turkey. 'We need to make it feel somewhat authentic,' they say."

During a press conference on Thursday, Damian Williams, the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, claimed that the mayor formed connections with foreign individuals to receive illicit money for his 2021 campaign.

"In 2023, the mayor revived these questionable connections, looking to obtain additional unlawful campaign funding from certain foreign entities again to bolster his re-election efforts," stated Mr. Williams.

The indictment highlights that Adams employed straw donors, a tactic used by individuals or organizations to bypass restrictions on campaign contributions, in order to receive unlawful donations from foreign sources.

According to prosecutors, his campaign applied for and obtained funding from New York City that is intended to match small donations from local residents. This funding totaled over $10 million.

He is also alleged to have tried to hide the advantages he gained, omitting the gifts from yearly disclosure forms, and informing an accomplice that he "always" erased text messages concerning the unlawful trips and gifts, as stated in court records.

A number of prominent Democratic figures from New York, such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have urged Adams to resign from his position.

Others, like House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, were more cautious, stating that Adams should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

"A group of the mayor's fellow officials will now review the accusations in the indictment and will make a final decision," Jeffries stated.

Since he took office on January 1, 2022, Adams and his team have faced increasing federal scrutiny.

Last year, the FBI conducted a search at the residence of Brianna Suggs, who was his main fundraiser, along with several other people involved in his campaign. This investigation is thought to center on potential unlawful campaign donations coming from the Turkish government and other foreign entities.

In recent weeks, the Adams administration has faced turmoil due to the resignation of several high-level officials as new investigations intensified. The police commissioner, health commissioner, and the mayor's chief legal advisor have all stepped down from their positions.

David Banks, the Chancellor of New York City Schools, has declared his intention to step down, just weeks after federal agents took his phones while searching the residence he shares with his partner, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, on September 4th.