ECNETNews, New York, NY, September 26, 2024: “We are not focused on the right or the left. We are focused only on right and wrong,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, as he announced the unsealing of an indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The charges include campaign finance violations, bribery, and conspiracy.
During a press conference, Williams denounced the mayor’s alleged actions as a “grave breach of the public’s trust,” revealing that Adams is accused of accepting illegal campaign contributions and luxurious personal benefits from foreign businessmen, including Turkish nationals.
The indictment reveals that Adams, who previously served as Brooklyn Borough President, began soliciting illegal foreign donations for his 2021 mayoral campaign as early as 2018. It is alleged that he received over $100,000 in luxury travel perks, including business-class flights and hotels, none of which were disclosed as legally required. In return for these benefits, Adams is purportedly implicated in pressuring the New York City Fire Department to approve fire safety inspections for a Turkish consulate building, ignoring key safety concerns.
Williams emphasized the intent of the ongoing investigation to hold accountable all parties involved in this lengthy conspiracy, underlining his office’s commitment to combat corruption irrespective of political affiliation.
The indictment follows a comprehensive investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI, and the New York City Department of Investigation. NYC Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Straub remarked that Adams’ actions have seriously undermined public trust and highlighted the damaging effects of corruption on public service integrity.
This indictment marks a historical moment in New York City’s political arena, with Williams urging the public to share any additional information that could assist in the investigation. Mayor Adams, the first sitting mayor to face indictment, has pledged to contest the charges vigorously.
