New York City mayor Eric Adams charged with fraud and bribery

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing allegations of fraud and bribery. U.S. prosecutors claim he was involved in a long-running operation over the course of ten years to request money and upscale travel accommodations from the Turkish government.

In a legal document made public on Thursday in a federal court in Manhattan, Adams is charged with attempting to obtain “unlawful campaign funds for his 2021 mayoral race, along with other valuable items, from individuals outside the country.” He is also accused of offering “preferential treatment in return for the illegal benefits he gained.”

If found guilty of the charges against him, Adams, 64, could face a lengthy prison sentence, potentially lasting several decades.

The shocking charges brought by federal prosecutors follow a lengthy investigation into corruption that has affected City Hall. This inquiry has led to several resignations and retirements among top officials in Adams' administration.

In a statement late Wednesday night, Adams remarked, “I always understood that if I remained firm in my support for New Yorkers, I would attract attention — and that’s exactly what happened.”

The ex-police officer, who was voted into office in 2021 with a promise to take a strong stance against crime, stated: “If I face charges, I maintain my innocence and will vigorously defend myself with all my strength and determination.” He also claimed that the investigators were trying to damage his reputation.

Adams, a moderate Democrat and ex-president of Brooklyn, ran his campaign focusing on law enforcement and promised to take strong action against homelessness in New York.

His tenure in office has been tainted by claims of favoritism, along with increasing disapproval of how his administration has managed the influx of migrants arriving from the southern border.

Adams is currently under investigation for corruption related to his election campaign in 2021.

Last year, law enforcement officials searched the Brooklyn residence of Brianna Suggs, who is 25 and serves as the main fundraiser for his campaign. This raid was allegedly connected to an investigation regarding contributions from the Turkish government. Shortly afterward, the FBI approached Adams on the street and confiscated his phone and laptop.

Subsequent to that, there were several additional raids, some seemingly not connected to the campaign investigation. These operations focused on the first deputy mayor and the deputy mayor responsible for public safety, among others.

This month, New York police commissioner Edward Caban stepped down after his phone was allegedly taken by authorities. He stated that "the distractions caused by recent events" had made it difficult for him to continue his job. Investigators also searched the home of his temporary successor.

At the same time, City Hall was shaken by the departure of a top lawyer and the sudden retirement of David Banks, the head of New York's public schools, whose phones were also taken in the investigation.

Adams, who is seeking re-election next year, has repeatedly asserted that he has “nothing to conceal” and claimed he is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigations.

He isn't obligated to resign, but an increasing number of influential Democrats are urging him to do so. Among them is Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, who stated on Wednesday that she finds it difficult to understand how Mayor Adams can continue to lead New York City.

Turkey's communications office did not reply to inquiries for feedback.

Further contributions were made by Adam Samson from Ankara.