New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing a federal investigation into potential illegal donations from the Turkish government during his 2021 campaign. This week, FBI agents, armed with a court-authorized warrant, seized electronic devices belonging to Adams, including two phones and an iPad. The move follows a similar search at the Brooklyn residence of Brianna Suggs, a 25-year-old campaign consultant for Adams, where three iPhones, two laptop computers, papers, and other evidence were confiscated.
Adams’ campaign attorney, Boyd Johnson, addressed the situation, emphasizing transparency and cooperation. Johnson stated, “After learning of the federal investigation, it was discovered that an individual had recently acted improperly. In the spirit of transparency and cooperation, this behavior was immediately and proactively reported to investigators.” He added that Mayor Adams, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing, remains committed to cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
The FBI’s actions come amid suspicions regarding a potential connection between Adams’ campaign and a Brooklyn construction company with ties to Turkey. Investigators are also looking into the involvement of a Washington, D.C.-based small university with connections to both Turkey and Adams. The seized items from Suggs’ residence included a “manila folder labeled Eric Adams,” seven “contribution card binders,” and various materials, as revealed by a obtained search warrant reported by the New York Times.
Mayor Adams, a former member of law enforcement, expressed his expectations for his staff to adhere to the law and fully cooperate with investigations. “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,” he stated.
The FBI is investigating potentially illegal foreign donations made to NYC mayor Eric Adams’ campaign. @aaronkatersky reports. https://t.co/tzJYWpwbTk pic.twitter.com/L21qe1abbq
— Good Morning America (@GMA) November 13, 2023
This development is not the first time individuals associated with Adams have faced financial scrutiny. In September, Eric Ulrich, Adams’ ex-buildings department commissioner, faced charges related to political favors and bribes. Additionally, in July, six individuals were charged in a scheme involving illegal straw donations to Adams’ 2021 campaign, allegedly to circumvent campaign contribution limits.
While the mayor remains cooperative and asserts his innocence, the probe continues to unravel connections between his campaign and entities with ties to Turkey, raising questions about the integrity of campaign financing. The FBI and Adams’ legal team have refrained from further comments at this time.
