NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Bribery and Wire Fraud Charges in Decade-Long Corruption Scheme
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Bribery and Wire Fraud Charges in Decade-Long Corruption Scheme
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been hit with serious corruption charges, including bribery and wire fraud, following a federal investigation into a nearly 10-year-long scheme. According to a 57-page federal indictment unsealed Thursday, Adams allegedly received over $100,000 in luxury perks, including plane tickets and stays at high-end hotels, from wealthy Turkish nationals and at least one government official.
In exchange for these illegal gifts and campaign contributions, Adams is accused of performing political favors for his benefactors. One of the most significant allegations involves Adams pressuring the New York Fire Department to approve the opening of a Turkish consulate building, despite serious safety violations, as detailed in the indictment.
This international bribery scheme reportedly began in 2014 when Adams became Brooklyn Borough President and continued into his mayoral campaign and eventual victory in 2021. Federal investigators allege the scheme persisted even after agents seized Adams’ electronic devices and raided the home of his chief fundraiser earlier this year.
“This was a calculated, multi-year attempt to gain influence with one rising political figure in New York City,” stated U.S. Attorney Damian Williams during a news conference.
Eric Adams, 64, now stands charged with five counts, including bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and soliciting contributions from foreign nationals. He is the first sitting New York City mayor in modern times to face federal indictment.
These charges come during a period of significant upheaval for the Adams administration. In recent weeks, key figures in his government, including the city’s police commissioner, lead counsel, and school chancellor, have resigned.
In a defiant public statement, Adams vowed to remain in office and fight the allegations. "We are not surprised. We expected this," Adams said, urging New Yorkers to reserve judgment until his defense is presented.
The political fallout has been swift, with several leaders calling for Adams to step down. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and State Senator John Liu are among those demanding his resignation. However, key New York power players like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Governor Kathy Hochul have so far withheld calls for his resignation.
Adams could face arraignment as soon as Friday, with charges including bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy.
"The indictment of a sitting mayor is not just another headline," remarked James Dennehy, FBI Assistant Director for New York. "It’s a sobering reminder that no one is beyond the law, and it underscores the importance of trust in our elected officials."
The case centers on Adams' relationships with influential Turkish figures, including a senior diplomat, a promoter, a university chairman, an airline manager, and a luxury hotel owner. These individuals allegedly provided Adams with illegal campaign contributions and lavish perks, according to the indictment.
This bribery scheme and corruption probe involving NYC Mayor Eric Adams is poised to have significant implications for both the city's leadership and future political dynamics.
0 comments:
Post a Comment