Foreign Bribes and Luxury Perks: What Is Eric Adams Accused Of?

 

What is Eric Adams accused of?  

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing multiple charges related to bribery and fraud as part of an alleged "long-running" corruption scheme. Federal prosecutors claim Adams accepted illegal gifts and benefits worth over $100,000 from Turkish nationals and at least one Turkish government official. In exchange, Adams allegedly provided political favors, such as helping Turkish officials bypass safety regulations to open a consulate in New York.  

Adams, a former police captain, denies the charges and has pledged to fight the allegations in court.  

What are the charges?  

Adams is facing five criminal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and accepting campaign contributions from foreign nationals. Other charges include two counts of solicitation of a foreign contribution and bribery. According to the indictment, Adams allegedly accepted luxury travel perks, such as deeply discounted stays in high-end hotels, from Turkish nationals while serving as Brooklyn Borough President in 2016. For instance, he paid just $600 for a two-day stay at the Bentley Suite of Istanbul’s St. Regis Hotel, which was valued at around $7,000.  

Prosecutors also accuse Adams of seeking illegal campaign contributions from Turkish sources during his 2021 mayoral campaign. These contributions were reportedly hidden using "straw donors" and fake paper trails.  

What is the wire fraud charge? 

The wire fraud charge stems from allegations that Adams used false pretenses to obtain campaign funds. Specifically, prosecutors claim Adams used the illicit Turkish contributions to qualify for New York City’s public Matching Funds Program, which matches local political donations. The program prohibits accepting foreign contributions, but Adams is accused of fraudulently securing public funds based on these illegal donations.  

What did Adams allegedly do in exchange for the gifts?

In return for the campaign contributions and luxury travel, Adams allegedly acted on various requests from Turkish officials. For example, in 2016, a Turkish official demanded that Adams sever ties with a Brooklyn Turkish community center connected to a group critical of Turkey’s government. Additionally, in 2021, Adams allegedly pressured New York fire officials to expedite the opening of a Turkish consulate building by bypassing safety inspections, at the request of a Turkish diplomat.  

Could Adams go to prison?  

If convicted, Adams could face significant prison time. The wire fraud charge alone carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, while the solicitation charges could add another five years each. The bribery charge has a maximum sentence of 10 years. Additionally, the conspiracy charge could result in another five-year sentence.  

Politically, these charges are likely to jeopardize Adams’ future, particularly his re-election bid in 2025. Numerous officials, including Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have called for his resignation. However, Adams remains defiant, pledging to continue his duties as mayor and seeking an immediate trial to clear his name.