New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been charged by US prosecutors with accepting illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel from Turkish nationals seeking to influence him, Reuters reports.
The alleged scheme, dating back to 2014, involved Adams receiving free flights on Turkish airlines, discounted stays in luxury hotels and meals in exchange for pressuring city officials to approve the opening of Turkey’s new consulate ahead of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit, despite safety concerns. The indictment claims Adams disguised $10 million in campaign contributions for his 2021 mayoral campaign from Turkish sources as public financing through US citizens. Adams, who faces five criminal charges and could face decades in prison if convicted, denies the accusations and vows to fight the charges in court.
The charges have created political turmoil in New York, with federal agents searching Adams’ home, leading to several top city officials resigning, which could complicates Adams’ potential re-election bid in 2025. Political figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for his resignation, while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have refrained from doing so.
