FBI Launches Criminal Probe Into Whether NYC Mayor Adams Received Illegal Donations From Turkey: Report

 Federal authorities have launched a criminal public corruption investigation into whether the 2021 election campaign of New York City Democrat Mayor Eric Adams conspired with a foreign government to receive illegal donations.

The New York Times obtained a copy of the search warrant that the FBI used when it raided the Brooklyn home of Adams’ top fund-raiser, Brianna Suggs. The investigation is focused on determining whether the campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal campaign contributions.

Investigators sought information about a local construction company with ties to Turkey and a university in Washington, D.C., with ties to Turkey and Adams, the report said.

The search warrant also indicated that authorities were looking at whether the campaign “kicked back benefits to the construction company’s officials and employees, and to Turkish officials,” the report added.

Investigators were looking into whether foreign campaign contributions were given through a  scheme where the donations were made in the names of people who did not donate the money, the report said. Authorities were also investigating potential theft of federal funds, conspiracy to steal federal funds, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The Times noted that Adams has bragged about how close he is to Turkey, saying that he had visited Turkey probably more than any other mayor in NYC history.

 

The FBI seized multiple iPhones and laptops and numerous documents and other pieces of evidence from Suggs’ home, including a folder labeled “Eric Adams” and seven “contribution card binders,” the report said.

While Adams has not been accused of any wrongdoing, he immediately canceled all meetings he had Thursday morning in Washington, D.C, where he planned to address the Biden administration about how its illegal immigration crisis is ruining New York City.

“The mayor heard of an issue related to the campaign and takes these issues seriously, so wanted to get back to New York as quickly as possible,” said Adams spokesman Fabien Levy. “He plans to return to D.C. and reschedule these meetings as soon as he can.”