NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment Thursday alleging Mayor Eric Adams secured bribes from Turkish nationals and illegal campaign contributions in exchange for favors.
News of the indictment comes after weeks of searches, subpoenas and resignations of city officials, including a search of Gracie Mansion in a predawn search Thursday.
Five-count indictment against Mayor Adams unsealed
Adams faces five charges:
- one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- one count of wire fraud
- two counts of solicitation of contributions by a foreign national
- one count of bribery
So, what has Adams been up to for the past decade?
• The indictment alleges Adams took over $100,000 in travel benefits, including free or heavily discounted flights on Turkish Airlines and also stays in opulent hotels when he flew to Turkey.
• The hotel stays were allegedly provided by a wealthy Turkish businesswoman who organized contributions to Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign. In order to conceal these valuable flight, hotel and other travel benefits, prosecutors allege Adams did not fill out the disclosure forms that were legally required.
• For these gifts—among many other alleged favors provided for foreign nationals—prosecutors say Adams pressured the FDNY to cut through red tape for the opening of a new Turkish consulate building in Manhattan that was not safe for occupancy so that it could be opened in time for a visit from the Turkish president.
2014: Within a year of becoming Brooklyn Borough President, Adams allegedly began forming relationships with foreign nationals seeking influence over him
The indictment alleges that since becoming Brooklyn Borough President a decade ago, Adams has “sought and accepted” improper benefits, including luxury international travel, from wealthy foreign businesspeople and a Turkish government official aiming to gain influence.
Once he announced his mayoral run, Adams allegedly solicited and accepted illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals. As his political power grew, these benefactors sought favorable treatment in return. After becoming mayor, Adams allegedly continued planning to solicit illegal contributions for future campaigns while granting favors to those who supported his 2021 run.
During a press conference on Thursday, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams explained that Adams accepted illegal campaign contributions through “nominee” or “straw” donors. In this scheme, the real contributors funneled money through people who falsely claimed it was their own. In its Campaign Finance Handbook, the CFB clearly informed candidates and their campaign staff that straw contributions are not only prohibited, but also illegal.
The indictment claims that Adams was fully aware of the laws prohibiting foreign, conduit, and corporate contributions.
2015: Adams meets key figures involved in the indictment
Adams took two official trips to Turkey in 2015, allegedly receiving free business class tickets from Turkish Airlines, of which the Turkish government owns 49.12%. Unlike his later travels, Adams disclosed these trips on his 2015 financial forms to the New York City Conflict of Interest Board. The trips are notable because Adams met key figures involved in the indictment: The Turkish Official, who arranged Adams’ travel and later funneled illegal contributions and gifts in exchange for influence and corrupt official actions. The Promoter, who allegedly organized straw donations to Adams’ campaigns and provided favorable treatment during subsequent visits to Turkey. “Businessman-1,” the chairman of a Turkish university, who met Adams in Istanbul and later made illegal contributions to Adams’ mayoral campaign to further his business interests. An Adams staffer who acted as the “Liaison to Eastern European Muslim Countries” and later coordinated illegal contributions and travel benefits for Adams. A wealthy Turkish businesswoman who provided Adams with free or discounted stays at her luxury hotel and other benefits.
2016: Adams allegedly secretly begins accepting free luxury travel
The Turkish Official introduced Adams to Turkish Airlines’ general manager in New York City. In October 2016, Adams and his partner traveled to India. His partner purchased economy class tickets on Turkish Airlines for about $2,286. Two days before their flight, Adams accepted free upgrades to business class from Turkish Airlines, which would have cost around $15,000.
2017: The luxury gifts expand
In July and August 2017, Adams, a close relative, and a staff member who served as his liaison to the Asian-American communities in New York City traveled to Nice, France; Istanbul, Turkey; Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Beijing, China with free business class tickets from Turkish Airlines, valued at over $35,000.
During the July and August 2017 trip, Adams stayed at the St. Regis Istanbul. Their stay was discounted, according to the indictment, thanks to arrangements made by the Promoter.
Adams stayed in the luxurious “Bentley Suite,” which would have cost approximately $7,000 for two nights, but Adams paid less than $600. The hotel is owned by a wealthy Turkish businesswoman who allegedly sought to ingratiate herself with Adams.
Then, in October 2017, Adams and the same staff member traveled to Nepal via Istanbul and Beijing. Again, Adams allegedly accepted free business class tickets from Turkish Airlines totaling over $16,000, according to the indictment.
Adams allegedly “did not disclose any of these trips on his annual disclosure forms, despite a legal requirement to do so.”
According to the indictment, on his 2016 and 2017 COIB Annual Disclosure Forms, Adams was asked if he received any gifts worth $1,000 or more from someone who had no business dealings with the City, other than a relative, and he answered “no.” He also said “no” when asked if he received any gifts worth $50 or more from anyone who did have business with New York City.
Adams also allegedly tried to hide the luxury travel benefits he received from foreign nationals by creating fake paper trails, with the help of his staff, under his direction. For instance, Adams attempted to falsely suggest that he had paid for his 2017 Turkish Airlines flights, even though he hadn’t, according to the indictment.
In 2017, Adams allegedly sent several emails to his scheduler, instructing them to pay for the free flights he and his companions had already taken on Turkish Airlines. The emails were inconsistent—some said to use Adams’ credit card, while others claimed he had left cash in an envelope for the scheduler to send to the airline.
2018: Adams allegedly begins accepting straw contributions
Adams allegedly solicited and knowingly accepted straw donations to the 2021 Campaign that were facilitated by the Turkish Official and the Airline Manager, among others. Throughout the campaign, Adams knowingly accepted straw donations, including from foreign sources, while continuing to secretly receive free and heavily discounted travel benefits from the Turkish Official, the Promoter, and the Airline Manager.
In one incident, on June 14, 2018, the Turkish Official exchanged messages with the Adams Staffer, asking, “How much can companies donate?” The Adams Staffer explained that only individuals could donate to the 2021 Campaign. On June 22, 2018—the same day as the fundraiser—Adams’ Staffer and the Promoter exchanged text messages discussing a possible trip by Adams to Turkey. The Promoter allegedly mentioned, “Fundraising in Turkey is not legal, but I think I can raise money for your campaign off the record.”
When the Staffer asked, “How will [Adams] declare that money here?” the Promoter responded, “He won’t declare it… Or we’ll make the donation through an American citizen in the U.S… A Turk… I’ll give cash to him in Turkey or send it to an American, and he will make the donation to you.”
The Staffer expressed concerns, saying, “I think he wouldn’t get involved in such games. They might cause a big stink later on,” but agreed to ask anyway.
The Staffer then inquired about the potential amount, to which the Promoter replied, “Max $100K.”
The Staffer questioned how that money would be transferred and noted, “We can’t do it while Eric is in Turkey.” The Promoter responded, “Let’s think.”
Following this conversation, the Staffer asked Adams about pursuing the unlawful foreign contributions, and contrary to the Staffer’s expectations, Adams allegedly directed the Staffer to go ahead with the Promoter’s illegal scheme.
In November 2018, Businessman-I, the wealthy Turkish national and owner of the Turkish University, visited New York City. Adams and the Staffer met with him at Brooklyn Borough Hall. At the end of the meeting, Businessman-I offered to contribute funds to Adams’ 2021 Campaign, despite Adams allegedly knowing that Businessman-I was a foreign national.
2019: Adams travels to Istanbul and allegedly solicits foreign contributions
In January 2019, Adams allegedly traveled to Turkey, Jordan, and Oman with the help of the Promoter. Because the trip was arranged through the Promoter rather than the Airline Manager, Adams’ tickets were not upgraded. Afterward, Adams allegedly began arranging his Turkish Airlines flights directly through the Airline Manager, allowing Turkish officials to allegedly further increase their influence over him.
During his 2019 trip, Adams solicited and accepted travel benefits from the Promoter, including free hotel stays, dinners, and a boat trip. This included a free two-night stay in the Cosmopolitan Suite at the St. Regis Istanbul which would have cost around $3,000.
Adams also accepted free transportation, meals, and entertainment from the Promoter, including a car and driver, a boat tour to the Princes’ Islands, a Turkish bath at a seaside hotel, and a meal at a high-end restaurant. Adams did not report any of these free travel benefits on his 2019 COIB disclosure form, according to the indictment.
While in Istanbul, the Promoter arranged for Adams to meet a wealthy Turkish businessman (“Businessman-3”), despite the Turkish Official, via the Adams Staffer, advising against it due to suspicions of wrongdoing.
During the meeting, Adams and the Promoter allegedly solicited contributions from Businessman-3, a Turkish national who couldn’t legally donate to U.S. campaigns. Businessman-3 agreed to contribute $50,000 or more. The Promoter and the Staffer then discussed funneling the contributions through U.S. straw donors. However, before the donations could occur, Businessman-3’s legal troubles became public. Adams later allegedly declined to meet him when he visited New York, and no contributions were made.
2020/2021: Adams allegedly solicits and accepts straw contributions from NY construction companies arranged by Turkish official, 2021 campaign secures over $10M in matching funds through false certifications
In December 2020, two volunteers for Adams’ 2021 Campaign, who later became City Hall employees, asked Businessman-4 to donate $10,000 to the campaign. Businessman-4 offered a $10,000 check from his company’s account, but they told him he couldn’t donate through a corporate account. When he offered a personal check, they said he couldn’t give more than $2,000. Instead, they suggested he have his employees donate, and he could reimburse them, according to the indictment.
Businessman-4 followed their instructions, contributing $2,000 personally and reimbursing four employees for their $2,000 donations. These contributions were made at a fundraiser held at Businessman-4’s office, which Adams attended. The 2021 Campaign received Matching Funds for these donations.
In September, when a fundraiser organized by the Turkish Official failed to raise the promised amount for Adams, the Turkish Official allegedly assured Adams and the Adams Staffer that he would “close the gap” by securing funds from other sources.
In May 2021, Adams allegedly sought and accepted straw donations from another businessman (“Businessman-5”), a prominent member of New York City’s Turkish community, who made the donations at the Turkish Official’s request.
Later, on April 2, 2021, they held a larger dinner with Businessman-5 to discuss specific donations. At this dinner, Adams explained the Matching Funds Program and solicited contributions, with the Turkish Official affirming, “We are supporting you.” On May 7, 2021, Businessman-5 held a fundraiser at his office. The Turkish Official sent his driver to deliver additional checks. Before the event, Businessman-5’s company provided $1,250 to ten employees, who then donated to the campaign, with two exceptions: one employee donated in his wife’s name, and another gave $1,200. The Adams Staffer allegedly sent the Turkish Official a list of the donations, which fraudulently secured public matching funds.
In August 2021, the Promoter, Adams Staffer, and the Turkish University President discussed funneling Businessman-1’s contribution to the 2021 Campaign through U.S.-based employees of the Turkish University, ensuring they were U.S. citizens or green card holders. Adams allegedly approved the plan, knowing Businessman-1 was a Turkish citizen.
On Sept. 27, 2021, three U.S.-based employees made $2,000 contributions to the campaign and were reimbursed, while Adams allegedly falsely claimed they were the true donors in a disclosure statement to the CFB.
Overall, the 2021 Campaign received over $10 million in Matching Funds based on false certifications claiming compliance with the law, while Adams allegedly knowingly and repeatedly relied on illegal contributions, according to the indictment.
2021: Adams, ‘a true friend of Turkey’ allegedly accepts bribes from Turkish officials, intervenes with FDNY inspections to open Turkish House high-rise before President Erdogan’s arrival
In exchange for luxury travel benefits from the Turkish Official and Airline Manager, Adams allegedly intervened to allow the Turkish Consulate to occupy a skyscraper that hadn’t passed a fire safety inspection.
Construction of the 36-story Turkish House at 821 United Nations Plaza began in 2017, intended to house multiple Turkish diplomatic missions. The building’s cost was a topic of political debate in Turkey. The Turkish Consulate planned to open the building by Sept. 20, 2021, for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit during the United Nations General Assembly, making its timely opening a priority for the Turkish Official.
On the morning of Sept. 10, 2021, Adams allegedly messaged the FDNY Commissioner, stating that the Turkish Official was expecting an FDNY inspection of the Turkish House and needed someone there that day. The FDNY Commissioner responded that there was a disagreement between the inspector and the private alarm engineer, but he was “trying to iron it out.” Later, Adams allegedly informed the Commissioner that the inspector needed authorization to come, and the Commissioner confirmed he was working on it.
That afternoon, the FDNY Chief of Department, under pressure, told the Fire Prevention Chief that if they didn’t help the Turkish Consulate obtain a TCO, both could lose their jobs. The Fire Prevention Chief drafted an unprecedented “conditional letter of no objection,” allowing the TCO to be issued as long as the private engineers confirmed the fire alarm system worked and the Department of Buildings approved the fire suppression systems.
The FDNY Commissioner told Adams the letter was being drafted, and everything would be ready by Monday. Adams relayed the message to the Turkish Official, who responded with praise, calling Adams a “true friend of Turkey.”
Four days later, after securing the TCO, Adams allegedly accepted additional luxury travel benefits worth more than $14,000, including upgraded flights for a trip to Pakistan.
2022: After becoming mayor, Adams allegedly continues favors to those who provided him with illegal benefits over those who fell short
After being inaugurated as mayor on Jan. 1, 2022, Adams allegedly began preparing for his next election by planning to solicit more straw donations and favoring supporters who contributed significantly to his 2021 campaign.
In a Jan. 11, 2022 meeting, Adams allegedly welcomed the Promoter’s offer to raise more foreign contributions for his 2025 campaign, coordinating with his staff to arrange the funds.
Later in 2022, Adams declined a meeting with Businessman-1, citing their failure to follow through on a promised $25,000 donation to his 2021 campaign.
From late August to early September 2023, in one incident the Adams Staffer and Fundraiser allegedly discussed the details of an upcoming fundraiser, including creating a unique fundraising link. On Sept. 12, 2023, the PR Representative and Publisher instructed Businessman-6 on how to make straw donations to the 2025 Campaign, routing foreign donations through U.S. citizens to appear legal.
By Oct. 8, 2023, the Adams Staffer confirmed they would collect $25K as agreed. At the Oct. 9 fundraiser, Businessman-6 told Adams he wanted to contribute significant funds, and Adams allegedly directed him to work with the Staffer, though a follow-up dinner was canceled once the federal investigation became public.
Attempting to conceal documents
Throughout the conduct, Adams and his co-conspirators also allegedly worked to hide their actions from public and law enforcement scrutiny. Prosecutors stated that Adams repeatedly failed to disclose free and discounted travel benefits from the Turkish Official, the Promoter, and the Airline Manager, created false paper trails to suggest he had paid for the trips, and told the Adams Staffer he deleted all their messages. He also allegedly instructed the Staffer to keep his 2021 activities in Turkey hidden. The straw donations were designed to allow Adams to benefit from illegal contributions while concealing their true source.
On Nov. 2, 2023, FBI agents executed search warrants at the residences of the Adams Fundraiser, Businessman-5, and the Adams Staffer, all of whom allegedly acted to conceal their involvement.
The Adams Fundraiser called Adams five times before answering the door to FBI agents and refused to disclose who paid for her 2021 Turkey trip. Adams, upon hearing of the search while in Washington, D.C., canceled his meeting and returned to New York immediately.
Businessman-5 admitted his and his employees’ contributions to the 2021 Campaign but allegedly lied to conceal the straw donations, denying that his construction company reimbursed employees for their contributions.
In another incident, on Nov. 6, 2023, FBI agents executed a search warrant for Adams’ electronic devices. Although he had multiple devices with him, Adams did not have his personal cellphone, which he used for the conduct described in the indictment. When he gave in the phone the next day, it was locked and required a password.
Adams claimed he had changed the password a day earlier, increasing its complexity to prevent staff from deleting its contents, but said he had forgotten the new password, leaving the FBI unable to unlock the phone.
Williams on Thursday said Adams engaged in “long-running” corruption involving bribes from foreign nationals dating back nearly a decade.
Speaking at a news conference at his Manhattan office, Williams said: "First, the conduct alleging the indictment, the foreign money, the corporate money, the bribery, the years of concealment, is a grave breach of the public's trust. Public office is a privilege. We allege that Mayor Adams abused that privilege and broke the law. Laws that are designed to ensure that officials like him serve the people, not the highest bidder, not a foreign bidder, and certainly not a foreign power. These are bright red lines. And we allege that the mayor crossed them again and again for years. That is the only reason we are here today."
Williams detailed the allegations of bribery and illegal campaign contributions. Williams also said the investigation continues and more people “will be held accountable.”
Mayor Adams responded to the indictment outside Gracie Mansion as supporters surrounded him and hecklers shouted from a distance, indicating he won't resign as the case plays out.
"We are not surprised," Adams said. "We expected this. This is not surprising to us at all. The actions that have unfolded over the last 10 months--the leaks, the commentary, the demonizing--this did not surprise us that we reached this day."
"I ask New Yorkers to hear our defense before making any judgements," he said, noting federal prosecutors were about to hold a news conference just miles south at the U.S. attorney's office in Lower Manhattan at 11:30 a.m.
"From here, my attorneys will take care of the case, so I can take care of the city," he said. "My day-to-day will not change. I will continue to do the job."
The mayor said he was relieved he could "finally reveal why for 10 months I've gone through this." He called it a "painful day" but added, "I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city, as I've done throughout my entire professional career."