Newsroom
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been charged with bribery and fraud in connection with an alleged scheme involving Turkish officials. Prosecutors say Adams accepted more than $100,000 in luxury travel, hotel stays, and campaign donations in exchange for political favors, including helping Turkey open a consulate in New York without meeting safety standards.
The charges, outlined in a 57-page indictment, include bribery, wire fraud, and illegally accepting campaign contributions from foreign nationals. The alleged misconduct dates back to 2016 when Adams was Brooklyn Borough President. He is accused of hiding the source of illegal donations by using fake paperwork and "straw donors."
Prosecutors claim that Adams also defrauded New York's public campaign financing system by using illegal donations to qualify for matching funds. In return for these favors, Adams allegedly helped Turkish officials with various requests, including putting pressure on city officials to speed up the opening of a Turkish consulate.
Adams denies all charges, insisting he never accepted foreign money and pledging to fight the case in court. If convicted, Adams could face serious jail time, with some charges carrying up to 20 years in prison. The case also threatens his political future, as more lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are calling for his resignation ahead of the 2025 mayoral election.
[With info from BBC]
