New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been charged in a federal investigation involving bribery and fraud, centered around illegal campaign contributions and perks from Turkish officials.
Prosecutors allege that Adams received over $100,000 in lavish gifts, including luxury travel and accommodations, in exchange for political favors benefiting Turkish interests, such as fast-tracking approval for a new Turkish consulate building in Manhattan.
Additionally, Adams allegedly accepted illegal foreign donations to his 2021 mayoral campaign, circumventing campaign finance laws by using straw donors.
Adams has denied any wrongdoing, asserting his innocence during a press conference and pledging to continue his duties as mayor. His legal team has criticized the handling of the case, while the investigation continues to probe deeper into his political and administrative activities.
This scandal adds to a series of other probes involving his administration, further impacting his political standing.