The FBI has seized Adams’ electronic devices as part of an investigation involving his top fundraiser.
The FBI has seized New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ electronic devices as part of an ongoing investigation involving his top fundraiser.
Adams and his campaign attorney confirmed the investigation on Friday after the FBI initially approached the mayor on Monday.
He went on: « The mayor has been and remains committed to cooperating in this manner. On Monday night, the FBI approached the mayor after an event. The mayor immediately complied with the FBI’s request and provided them with electronic devices. The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation. »
Adams has publicly denied any wrongdoing, saying: « As a former member of law enforcement, I expect all members of my staff to follow the law and fully cooperate with any sort of investigation, and I will continue to do exactly that. I have nothing to hide. »
Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign is the subject of an FBI probe looking into whether it allegedly conspired with Turkey to accept illegal foreign money contributions.
Three American members of the board of the Turken Foundation, which was founded by Bilal Erdogan, the son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, donated $6,000 to Adams’ campaign between 2018 and 2021, according to website The City.
Adams has previously said he met with Erdogan while serving as Brooklyn borough president.
« I was at a dinner once here for a nonprofit and…the president of Turkey was there and…constituents here in New York City stated that I was extremely supportive of them, » Adams told The City.
« He greeted me, » Adams said of Erdogan. « He said hello. We exchanged pleasantries. »
While Erdogan has been in office, Turkey has been cited several times by the U.S. State Department for human rights violations, including reports of killings, torture and detaining political opponents, journalists and activists.
