NYC Mayor Eric Adams indicted on federal bribery and fraud charges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribery, and accepting illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals. The 57-page indictment, unsealed Thursday morning in Manhattan, follows a sweeping corruption investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign and earlier conduct while serving as Brooklyn borough president.

The indictment, filed by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, accuses Adams of accepting improper benefits over nearly a decade, including luxury international travel and business class upgrades from foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official. The indictment outlines nearly two dozen instances of illegal acts, including free upgrades for round-trip flights and discounted stays at high-end hotels in countries like China, France, Hungary, India, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.

Prosecutors allege that Adams used straw donors to conceal over $10 million in foreign campaign contributions during his 2021 mayoral race. These actions reportedly began in 2014 and intensified as Adams prepared for his mayoral run. His foreign benefactors sought to cash in on their influence, expecting favorable treatment in exchange for the illicit benefits.

"By 2018, Adams not only accepted, but sought illegal campaign contributions, knowing that he was violating U.S. law," the indictment says. The document also accuses Adams of planning to solicit more illegal donations as he prepared for re-election while in office.

Adams, a former NYPD captain and Brooklyn borough president, took office in January 2022 after running on a law-and-order platform aimed at tackling crime and reviving the city post-COVID. His indictment marks a dramatic fall for the city's second Black mayor, raising serious questions about his political future.

The FBI raided Gracie Mansion, Adams’ official residence, on Wednesday, seizing his phone. His attorney, Alex Spiro, called the raid unnecessary and accused the federal government of trying to create a spectacle: "They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in."

Adams has not been arrested, and Spiro said they are confident the mayor will be exonerated. “He looks forward to his day in court,” Spiro said.

Responding to news of the charges, Adams released a defiant video statement Wednesday night, declaring, “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.” He also suggested the charges were politically motivated: "I always knew if I stood my ground for all of you, I would be a target— and a target I became."

Adams is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, soliciting contributions from foreign nationals, and two counts of wire fraud. Prosecutors have been investigating Adams’ ties to Turkish businessmen, but have reportedly widened their probe to include donations from other countries, such as Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.

If Adams resigns, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor. A news conference by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams and the FBI is scheduled for later Thursday to provide more details on the charges.

Adams’ administration has already been rocked by investigations involving key city officials, including the NYPD and top figures in the city’s education department. His tenure has faced criticism for its handling of major issues like the migrant crisis, city spending, and public safety concerns.

Despite the mounting legal troubles, Adams remains defiant and committed to his role as mayor. In his statement, he said: "New Yorkers know my story. You elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will. I humbly ask for your prayers and patience as we see this through.”