New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on charges of accepting bribes from foreign sources, including the Turkish government.
The indictment alleges that from 2014, when he became Brooklyn Borough president, Adams sought and accepted “illegal campaign contributions” and “luxury international travel” from people related to the Turkish government. The travel benefits reportedly totaled well over 100,000 dollars.
The indictment says “in exchange for free travel and other travel-related bribes,” Adams allowed Turkey to open a new consular building in New York “without a fire inspection.”
Adams has denied the allegations. He said “I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city as I have done throughout my entire professional career.” He added that he does not plan to resign.
US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said at a news conference on Thursday, “We will hold more people accountable,” and that the corruption investigation would continue.
People in New York have seen a string of senior police and city officials face investigations, including the New York police commissioner.