New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been charged with five federal charges related to bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals.
Specifically, Adams received luxury travel and other benefits from a Turkish official and pressured the NYC Fire Department to open a Turkish consular building without a fire inspection, in exchange.
The mayor “engaged in a long-running conspiracy,” Damian Williams, the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, said Thursday.
“Mayor Adams took these contributions even though he knew they were illegal.” “He knew these contributions were attempts by a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen to buy influence with him,” stated Williams.
Adams is scheduled to have his first court appearance at noon Friday.

Adams was not surprised by the charges and respectfully encouraged the public to “wait to hear our defense before making any judgments,” saying that he would not be changing his day-to-day responsibilities.
“I look forward to defending myself and the people of this city as I’ve done throughout my professional career,” Adams said.
Adams’ legal practitioner defended his client, saying the mayor told his staffers not to accept foreign money.
“The travel, the expenses, the flight they talk about is in 2017 – seven years ago, five years before he is mayor,” Alex Spiro said outside the mayor’s official residence, with the mayor at his side.
Adams could also be removed through an “inability committee,” according to the city charter.
The committee would include the city’s top lawyer, a post that is currently vacant. City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is an opponent to Adams, would also have a spot on the committee, along with the speaker of the City Council, one deputy mayor selected by the mayor, and the borough president who has served the most consecutive years in office.