New York Mayor Eric Adams has been formally charged in an indictment that was unsealed on Thursday morning. The charges against Adams include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, receiving illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals, wire fraud, solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national, and bribery.
According to the indictment, Adams allegedly accepted illegal campaign donations through “straw” or “nominee” contributors—individuals who falsely claimed the money they were donating came from their own funds. The Biden-Harris administration argues that this scheme violated federal laws designed to prevent foreign interference in U.S. elections. The funds in question, which were channeled through New York City’s public matching campaign fund program, are said to have been used to defraud the city and steal public funds.
Adams was officially indicted on Wednesday, followed by a raid on his Gracie Mansion residence Thursday morning. Concerns about his campaign finances first surfaced in the fall of 2023, when federal authorities raided the Brooklyn home of Adams’ former campaign manager. At that time, Adams was en route to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Joe Biden about the border crisis. However, after learning of the raid, he returned to New York to manage the growing scandal within his administration.
The indictment also accuses Adams of receiving additional improper benefits from the same individuals who facilitated these illicit contributions. Among them was a high-ranking official in Turkey’s diplomatic corps, who is said to have arranged for Adams and his associates to receive free or discounted travel on Turkish Airlines to destinations including France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, and Turkey itself. Additionally, Adams allegedly accepted free stays at luxury hotels, along with complimentary meals and entertainment, which he failed to disclose.
In exchange for these favors, the indictment claims that Adams pressured the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to approve the opening of a 36-story Turkish consular building without conducting a required fire inspection. At the time, the building did not meet FDNY standards. Allegedly, Adams threatened to fire the FDNY official responsible if they did not comply.
The document further outlines Adams’ interactions with Turkish officials, his visits to Turkey, and his alleged participation in their efforts to exert influence in New York City. The indictment includes photos of luxury hotel suites and alleges that Adams knowingly accepted illegal donations for his 2021 mayoral campaign.
Adams has denied the charges and maintained his innocence, even as calls for his resignation have grown on social media. Should Adams step down or be removed from office by Governor Kathy Hochul, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, a progressive politician, would likely assume the role of mayor.
Read the full indictment by CBS News:
