In a recent development, Eric Adams is under scrutiny for actions taken while he was the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor in 2021 and then Brooklyn borough president, for his alleged involvement in a public corruption case. This investigation by federal authorities is probing into the possibility that the Turkish government illegally funded Adams’ mayoral campaign.
Adams, after winning the Democratic mayoral primary, reportedly contacted then-FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro about safety issues at the new Turkish consulate in Manhattan. This 35-story glass building, situated across from the United Nations on First Avenue, faced delays in opening due to violations related to its glass facade and fire safety systems.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has intensified its inquiry into these allegations, recently seizing Adams’ cellphones and raiding the Brooklyn residence of his top campaign fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. This probe also includes examining Adams’ intervention in obtaining a temporary occupancy certificate for the consulate ahead of a visit by Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Reyhan Özgür, Turkey’s consul general in New York, requested Adams’ assistance in September 2021 to address the building’s compliance issues. Adams, responding to this request, asked Nigro to look into the matter. Despite Nigro’s involvement, the FDNY’s fire alarm unit insisted on a full inspection process before granting operational clearance to the consulate. Eventually, however, the consulate opened in late September, coinciding with Erdoğan’s visit.
Adams, who has not been formally accused of wrongdoing, defended his actions, stating that addressing such issues was part of his responsibilities as Brooklyn borough president. His campaign echoed this sentiment, underscoring that Adams has not been accused of any misconduct and is cooperating with investigators.
Questions remain about the extent of Turkish government influence in Adams’ campaign, including allegations that KSK Construction, a Brooklyn contractor with ties to the Turkish government, funneled illegal campaign funds through “straw donors”. Records show significant contributions from KSK employees and their relatives to Adams’ mayoral campaign.
The Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office, leading the investigation, has not commented on these developments. Meanwhile, Adams’ attorney, Boyd Johnson, acknowledged that an individual associated with the mayor’s campaign had acted improperly and that this was reported to investigators. However, details about this individual or their actions remain undisclosed.
This case draws attention because of Adams’ previous connections with Turkey, including a government-funded trip to the country. The full scope of the investigation, including the extent of the Turkish government’s alleged contributions to Adams’ campaign, is still unfolding.
As the investigation continues, the implications for Adams’ political career and the broader political landscape remain uncertain.
