New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been hit with a series of serious charges, including bribery and fraud, as part of what federal prosecutors describe as a "long-running" scheme.
The charges are linked to allegations that Adams accepted illegal gifts worth more than $100,000 from Turkish citizens, including government officials, in exchange for political favors. The accusations have sent shockwaves through the city, casting doubt on the mayor’s political future.
Charges Against Eric Adams
Adams faces five criminal counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, and two counts of wire fraud. According to the 57-page indictment, Adams began receiving illegal gifts as early as 2016, when he was still the president of Brooklyn. The gifts, reportedly from Turkish nationals and at least one Turkish government official, included luxury hotel stays, lavish meals, and expensive airline upgrades.
For example, Adams is accused of paying only $600 for a two-day stay in the "Bentley Room" at the St. Regis hotel in Istanbul—a visit valued at around $7,000. US Attorney Damian Williams, who announced the charges, called it "a multi-year scheme to buy favor with a single New York City politician on the rise."
How The Scheme Worked
Prosecutors claim that Adams accepted gifts and campaign contributions from Turkish sources in exchange for political favors. They allege that none of these gifts or contributions were publicly disclosed and that Adams used intermediaries, or "straw donors," to hide the true source of the funds. In some cases, Adams allegedly created fake documents to make it seem like he had paid for the gifts himself, a practice that prosecutors say was aimed at covering up the illegal activity.
Adams is also accused of soliciting illegal campaign contributions from Turkish nationals for his 2021 mayoral run. These contributions were funneled through fake donors to avoid detection. Prosecutors argue that Adams was aware of the illegality of these contributions, as US campaign finance laws prohibit donations from foreign nationals, corporations, or foreign governments.
One of the most serious charges against Adams is wire fraud. The indictment claims that Adams used the money he received from Turkish sources to fraudulently qualify for New York City’s public financing program. This program, known as the Matching Funds Program, provides political candidates with public funds to match small donations from city residents. However, the rules strictly prohibit foreign donations. Adams is accused of accepting illegal contributions to boost his eligibility for these public funds, securing as much as $2,000 in public money for each foreign donation.
The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Alleged Political Favors in Exchange for Bribes
In exchange for the illegal contributions and gifts, Adams is alleged to have provided various political favors to Turkish officials. For instance, in 2016, Adams reportedly cut ties with a Turkish community center in Brooklyn after a Turkish official informed him that the center was linked to a group "hostile" to the Turkish government. According to the indictment, Adams was told that if he wanted to continue receiving "support" from the Turkish government, he could no longer associate with the center.
In another incident, prosecutors allege that in 2021, Adams intervened to ensure that the Turkish consulate building in New York could open without passing required safety inspections. According to the indictment, a Turkish diplomat pressured Adams to persuade a New York fire department official to bypass the inspection process, threatening that the official would lose his job if the building was not approved. The consulate building opened without the fire department's clearance, allegedly after Adams’ intervention. In return, a Turkish official reportedly reminded Adams that it was "his turn to repay" the favors he had received.
Eric Adams' Denial And Response
Mayor Adams has categorically denied the charges, calling the allegations baseless. He has vowed to fight the accusations in court, saying, "I know I don’t take money from foreign donors." Adams has also requested an immediate trial, signaling his intent to defend himself against the accusations. Despite mounting pressure from lawmakers and the public, Adams has refused to resign, stating that he will continue to serve as mayor.
His defense team has also challenged the indictment, claiming that the gifts were either properly documented or that Adams was unaware of their illegality. "These allegations are built on false pretenses and misinformation," Adams said during a news conference. "I have always acted in the best interest of New York City, and I will be vindicated."
Political Fallout And Future Implications
The charges have created a political firestorm in New York City, with many calling for Adams to step down. Prominent figures, including members of the city council and Democratic US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have demanded his resignation. The charges also cast doubt on Adams’ 2025 re-election bid, as his opponents are likely to seize on the allegations to undermine his candidacy.
If convicted, Adams could face significant prison time. The wire fraud charge alone carries a potential 20-year sentence, while the bribery charge could add another 10 years. The charges related to soliciting foreign campaign contributions each carry a maximum of five years in prison. In total, Adams could face more than 40 years behind bars if found guilty on all counts.
Beyond the potential legal penalties, the charges could end Adams' political career.
