Grand Jury Investigates Criminal Corruption Allegations Against NYC Mayor Adams

A federal grand jury has begun reviewing evidence collected in a criminal investigation into allegations of corruption involving New York City Democrat Mayor Eric Adams. The probe, conducted by the Southern District of New York, examines claims that Adams’ election campaign received illegal contributions from the Turkish government in exchange for favorable actions.

• The investigation involves allegations of illegal campaign contributions from the Turkish government.

• Federal authorities have raided homes of Adams' campaign fundraisers and associates.

• Adams was confronted by the FBI and had to surrender his cell phones and iPad.

In recent weeks, at least one person connected to Mayor Adams received a federal subpoena from the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office with strict instructions not to discuss its contents, according to The New York Daily News.

Last fall, federal authorities raided the homes of Adams campaign fundraisers, a City Hall member, a transition team member, and a former Turkish Airlines executive. During this period, Adams himself was approached by the FBI and had to give up his electronic devices, which were returned days later.

The criminal probe has particularly focused on "free upgrades the mayor received on Turkish Airlines flights." Additionally, The New York Times reported that after winning the Democratic mayoral primary in the summer of 2021, Adams allegedly contacted then-Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro to push for temporary occupancy permissions for a new Turkish consulate in Manhattan. Fire officials had initially withheld approval due to safety concerns.

Adams' intervention allegedly facilitated the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s attendance at the grand opening of the 35-story consulate in September 2021. Despite serious safety concerns with the building's fire safety system, the project proceeded, marking Turkey’s most expensive foreign mission at $300 million.

When asked about the latest developments in the case over the weekend, Adams claimed ignorance. “I don’t know, I’m not a lawyer. I’m Eric Adams — the mayor! Ex-cop!” he said. “No idea. No idea. No idea.”

“They don’t tell me stuff. Let it follow the process … Speak to the counsel,” Adams added. “The counsel will explain to you the normal process.”

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