New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on bribery and fraud charges, accused of accepting illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel from Turkish nationals seeking to influence his political actions. The 57-page indictment alleges Adams facilitated Turkish requests, shaking the city’s political establishment.
#OPINION 🖊️@MattBroomfield1 Matt Broomfield discusses the indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams for allegedly accepting over $10M in illegal benefits from Turkish officials and businessmen. Case highlights Turkey’s long-standing efforts to influence US politics. #NewYorkCity I… pic.twitter.com/LUbjUdRzYr
— MedyaNews (@medyanews_) September 27, 2024
Prosecutors allege that Adams received luxury hotel stays, lavish meals, and business-class airline upgrades from Turkish officials in exchange for political favours. In one key incident, Adams allegedly helped expedite the approval process for the Turkevi Centre, a high-rise building near the UN headquarters, after a request from the Turkish consulate to the New York City Fire Commissioner. The building, which serves as Turkey’s diplomatic hub in New York, was facing delays due to safety concerns raised by the New York Fire Department.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had planned to unveil the building during his 2021 visit to the UN General Assembly, but the delays threatened the ceremony. A temporary permit was eventually granted, allowing the event to proceed. Erdoğan praised the Turkevi Centre as a symbol of Turkey’s “growing power”. According to the indictment, a Turkish official texted Adams afterward, calling him “a true friend of Turkey”, to which Adams allegedly responded, “my brother“.
The allegations highlight Adams’ broader ties to Turkish interests during his time as Brooklyn borough president. According to Politico, Adams attended nearly 80 events celebrating Turkey over an eight-year period. Prosecutors claim Adams received more than $100,000 in luxury travel and gifts from Turkish nationals, including foreign campaign contributions funnelled through US citizens to support his 2021 mayoral campaign.
In return, Adams allegedly assisted Turkish officials in various matters, including cutting ties with a Brooklyn community centre linked to a group considered hostile by the Turkish government.
Despite mounting pressure and calls for his resignation, Adams has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to fight the charges. He is the first sitting New York City mayor to face federal corruption charges.
US Attorney Damian Williams, who is leading the investigation, stated that the case is ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Turkey’s foreign ministry and embassy in Washington have yet to comment.
