Thu Sep 26 15:03:26 UTC 2024: ## NYC Mayor Adams Indicted on Corruption Charges in Alleged Pay-to-Play Scheme
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on five federal charges, including bribery and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, marking the first time a sitting New York City mayor has faced such charges in modern history.
The indictment, unsealed Thursday, alleges a nearly decade-long corruption scheme involving Adams’ acceptance of luxury travel and entertainment benefits, as well as illegal campaign contributions, from wealthy Turkish nationals in exchange for political favors.
According to the indictment, the alleged scheme began when Adams was Brooklyn borough president in 2014 and continued throughout his successful mayoral campaign in 2021, ultimately reaching into this year.
The indictment details how Adams and his staff allegedly disguised the foreign money by funneling it through U.S. citizens, allowing his campaign to receive over $10 million in matching public funds. The indictment also claims Adams accepted over $123,000 in free business class flights and upgrades to destinations like India, France, China, Hungary, and Turkey.
The charges stem from Adams’ relationship with several high-profile Turkish individuals, including a senior diplomatic official, a promoter, a university chairman, an airline manager, and a luxury hotel owner.
The indictment further alleges that Adams pressured the New York Fire Department to approve the opening of a new Turkish consular building despite serious safety concerns. He allegedly acted at the behest of a Turkish official who had helped his campaign.
Despite facing calls to resign from several prominent politicians, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and state Sen. John Liu, Adams has vowed to fight the charges and remain in office. Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove Adams, has not explicitly called for his resignation but has urged him to review the situation and “find an appropriate path forward.”
The indictment has cast a dark shadow over the Adams administration, which has already been rocked by the resignations of several top officials in recent weeks. The U.S. Attorney’s office has stated that the investigation is ongoing and more individuals could face charges.
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