What is NYC Mayor Eric Adams accused of? The charges explained

Eric Adams Accused: Foreign Bribes And Flights

Eric Adams has pledged to contest the accusations in court and has rejected any claims of misconduct.

Federal prosecutors have accused New York City Mayor Eric Adams of bribery and fraud in connection with a "longstanding" operation that has disrupted the political landscape in the biggest city in the United States.

Officials have labeled the situation as an "abuse of power," claiming that Adams accepted unlawful gifts totaling more than $100,000 (£75,000) from individuals in Turkey, including at least one government representative.

Prosecutors suggest that the Turkish officials may have requested favors from the mayor, such as assistance in bypassing safety regulations to set up a consulate in New York.

Adams, who used to be a police captain, has rejected any claims of misconduct and has pledged to contest the accusations in a legal setting.

Let’s examine what we understand.

Eric Adams is currently dealing with five different criminal charges. These include allegations of "conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribing federal programs, accepting campaign donations from foreign nationals," as well as wire fraud, two instances of soliciting contributions from foreign nationals, and bribery.

The 57-page accusation claims that Adams supposedly took over $100,000 worth of expensive travel perks, such as hotel accommodations, fine dining, and upgraded airline tickets, from Turkish citizens starting in 2016, while he was still the president of Brooklyn, New York.

In one case, for instance, it is claimed that Adams was offered an extremely reduced rate for a stay in the "Bentley Room" at the St. Regis hotel in Istanbul, where he paid $600 for a two-night stay that was initially priced at around $7,000.

"According to US Attorney Damian Williams at a press conference, this was a long-term plan aimed at securing the support of a rising politician in New York City."

Moreover, it's claimed that Adams tried to secure campaign donations from Turkish sources for his bid in the 2021 mayoral election.

None of this was announced to the public, and the prosecutors allege that Adams employed "straw donors" to obscure the origins of the funds. They also argue that he sometimes fabricated "false documentation" to make it appear as if he had paid, or planned to pay, for the gifts.

Understanding Wire Fraud Charges Explained

One of the accusations in the indictment, related to wire fraud, is based on claims that Adams created a plan to secure funds "through deceitful and dishonest representations" in his transactions.

Prosecutors assert that the money Adams received from Turkey helped him meet the requirements for a public funding program that offers financial support to qualifying political candidates, allowing them to match contributions from residents of New York City.

Under the Matching Funds Program, candidates cannot take donations from individuals who are not US citizens or legal residents, as well as from companies and foreign groups or organizations.

The justice department reports that Adams illegally acquired up to $2,000 in public funds for every unauthorized donation.

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York

It's claimed that Adams spent $600 for a $7,000 stay in the Bentley Suite at the St. Regis in Istanbul.

What Did Adams Allegedly Trade For?

In return for the donations to his campaign and extravagant trips, Adams is accused of addressing several issues brought up by Turkish citizens and at least one government representative.

In 2016, the indictment alleges that Adams was informed he needed to sever connections with a Turkish community center in Brooklyn. This was after a Turkish official indicated that the center was linked to a group that was considered "hostile" to the government of Turkey.

The Turkish official allegedly informed him that if he wanted to continue receiving "support" from the Turkish government, he would have to sever ties with the center.

In 2021, there was another case where prosecutors claim that Adams, acting on the request of a Turkish diplomat, exerted influence over a member of New York's fire department. His goal was to ensure that the new Turkish consulate in the city was prepared for a visit from the President of Turkey, even though there had been no fire inspection conducted.

According to prosecutors, the fire department official in charge of evaluating the skyscraper consulate was warned that he would be fired if he didn’t give the building the green light.

In that situation, the charges allege that a Turkish official informed Adams that it was "his time to give back" to him.

"The indictment states that once Adams got involved, the skyscraper was inaugurated as the Turkish official had requested."

Adams has also rejected these accusations.

"I’m aware that I don't accept funds from overseas contributors," he stated on Thursday.

Could Adams Face Prison Time?

In principle, Adams might be looking at a long time behind bars due to the charges against him.

The charge of wire fraud could lead to a maximum prison term of 20 years. Additionally, the two charges related to soliciting campaign donations from foreign individuals each have a maximum penalty of five years.

The bribery accusation could lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

The other charge, which includes "conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribery related to federal programs, and accepting campaign donations from foreign nationals," can lead to a maximum prison term of five years.

In the near future, the allegations are expected to jeopardize Adams' chances in the upcoming 2025 election.

Numerous politicians, such as members of New York's city council and Democratic US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have urged him to resign.

Adams has promised to contest the allegations against him and has demanded a prompt trial, rejecting suggestions that he step down from his position.

"I will keep fulfilling my duties as mayor," he stated during a press briefing.