New York City Mayor Eric Adams—a former NYPD captain—has been indicted on charges of taking bribes and funding his campaigns with illegal funds, the Department of Justice says.
Adams has been the subject of a DOJ investigation for nearly a year. The investigation has led to raids on the businesses and homes of his associates.
On Sept. 4, 2024, federal investigators seized electronic devices from the city’s police commissioner, schools chancellor, deputy mayor of public safety, first deputy mayor and other trusted confidantes of Adams — both in and out of City Hall.
Public revelation of the DOJ investigation of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban led to his resignation.
In the sprawling indictment, prosecutors laid bare an alleged scheme that helped Adams underwrite his 2021 mayoral campaign while showering him with free hotel rooms, flights on Turkey’s national airline and meals at high-end restaurants, the New York Post reports.
In exchange, Adams allegedly pressured Big Apple officials to waive inspections and push through approval for the Turkish Consulate in Manhattan, the indictment charges.
The mayor also allegedly “compounded his gains” from the illegal campaign contributions by gaming the city’s matching funds program, which provides a generous match for small-dollar donations, the court papers state.
Adams’ campaign received more than $10 million in matching funds as a result of the phony certifications, the indictment alleges.
Adams is facing five criminal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national and bribery. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Adams denied any wrongdoing. He said Thursday that he has no plans to resign and will fight the charges.
