New York City Mayor Eric Adams was charged with bribery, fraud, and campaign-finance offenses in a sweeping indictment unsealed Thursday. Federal prosecutors allege that Adams, a Democrat, illegally solicited contributions from Turkish donors in exchange for political favors, including helping facilitate the opening of a Turkish consulate building without a proper fire inspection.

The 57-page indictment accuses Adams of receiving improper benefits, such as luxury international travel and free flights on a Turkish airline, for more than a decade. The indictment includes five criminal counts, one of which involves soliciting contributions from a foreign national, a violation of federal law aimed at preventing foreign influence on U.S. elections.

Prosecutors claim Adams used his position to help Turkish officials in exchange for the illegal contributions. Additionally, they allege he funneled money into his campaign through New York City’s matching-funds program by fraudulently receiving extra funds based on local donations. If convicted, the charges carry severe penalties, with the attempted bribery of a public official being the most significant.

In a statement following the indictment, Adams urged New Yorkers to reserve judgment. “I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments,” he said. He vowed to continue focusing on the city’s needs while his legal team handles the case. Federal agents executed a search of Gracie Mansion, the official mayoral residence, earlier Thursday as part of the investigation.

Adams is the first sitting mayor in modern New York City to be indicted. His administration is currently facing multiple federal investigations. In recent weeks, several top aides, including his police commissioner and schools chancellor, have resigned amid growing concerns about his administration's ethical conduct.

The indictment also outlines that Adams accepted free flights, luxury hotel stays, and meals at high-end restaurants from Turkish benefactors. He reportedly flew Turkish Airlines for convenience and to take advantage of free tickets, even when it was not his final destination. Additionally, prosecutors allege that Adams failed to disclose these benefits in mandatory financial disclosures and actively worked to erase evidence of his actions.

This is not the first corruption scandal tied to Adams's tenure. Multiple donors have been charged with illegal contributions, and his administration has been swept up in several other corruption-related investigations. Federal agents recently charged 70 public housing employees and two former fire chiefs with accepting bribes.

Since news of the indictment broke, pressure on Adams to resign has mounted. Over 20 city council members and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is running against Adams in the 2024 mayoral race, have called for his resignation. Lander stated that the legal battle would distract Adams from effectively running the city. Similarly, State Senator John Liu voiced concerns that

Adams would not be able to focus on governing with these investigations looming.

Adams, who took office in 2022 following a long career in law enforcement, is running for re-election next year. Despite mounting pressure, he has insisted that the government remains strong and equipped to manage the city's challenges.

Federal Criminal Statutes Involved in the Eric Adams Bribery and Fraud Case

The indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams on charges of bribery, fraud, and campaign-finance offenses involves several federal statutes aimed at combating corruption, election fraud, and the misuse of public office for personal gain. The statutory allegations contained in the indictment outline the specific legal violations Adams is accused of, including conspiracy, wire fraud, bribery, and soliciting illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals.

1. Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Bribery, and Campaign-Finance Violations (18 U.S.C. § 371)

Adams is charged under 18 U.S.C. § 371, which criminalizes conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States. The indictment alleges that from 2015 to 2024, Adams conspired with others to defraud the U.S. government through schemes involving wire fraud, bribery, and the solicitation of illegal contributions from foreign nationals. The conspiracy included soliciting benefits, such as luxury travel, in exchange for political favors like facilitating regulatory approvals for a Turkish consulate building in New York. Violation of this statute carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each offense.

2. Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343)

Adams is accused of engaging in wire fraud, a scheme to defraud or obtain money and property through false representations, transmitted via electronic communications (e.g., wire transfers, emails). Prosecutors allege that Adams defrauded the New York City Matching Funds program by submitting fraudulent information about campaign donations, falsely claiming that contributions qualified for public matching funds. Each count of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 can result in a prison term of up to 20 years.

3. Solicitation of Campaign Contributions from Foreign Nationals (52 U.S.C. § 30121 and 30109(d)(1)(A))

The indictment charges Adams with soliciting and receiving campaign contributions from foreign nationals, a violation of 52 U.S.C. § 30121. This statute prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions in U.S. elections and forbids U.S. citizens from knowingly accepting such contributions. Prosecutors allege that Adams solicited donations exceeding $25,000 from Turkish nationals during his 2021 mayoral campaign, which constitutes a violation of campaign finance law. Each violation can result in fines and imprisonment of up to five years.

4. Federal Program Bribery (18 U.S.C. § 666)

Adams also faces charges of bribery under 18 U.S.C. § 666, which prohibits public officials from soliciting or accepting bribes in connection with a government program that receives more than $10,000 in federal funds. Prosecutors allege that Adams accepted bribes in the form of luxury travel and accommodations from Turkish officials in exchange for facilitating business transactions and regulatory approvals for the Turkish consulate. Violations of this statute are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Forfeiture Allegations (18 U.S.C. § 981(a)(1)(C) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c))

The indictment also includes forfeiture allegations, requiring Adams to forfeit any property or assets obtained through the proceeds of these illegal activities. Under 18 U.S.C. § 981(a)(1)(C) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c), assets linked to the criminal offenses may be seized by the government as part of the penalty.

These federal statutes form the legal backbone of the prosecution's case against Eric Adams. If convicted, the combined penalties from conspiracy, wire fraud, campaign-finance violations, and bribery could lead to substantial prison time and financial penalties.