Earlier this week, the FBI confiscated New York Mayor Eric Adams’ (D) electronic devices as part of a federal investigation into his campaign fundraising. The seized electronics, including at least two cellphones and an iPad, are connected to a probe examining potential collusion between Mayor Adams’ 2021 campaign and the Turkish government.
As reported by The New York Times, the investigation involves determining whether the Turkish government and other entities directed funds toward Adams’ mayoral campaign.
Boyd Johnson, the attorney for Adams’ campaign, stated that the mayor is fully cooperating with federal authorities and has already reported that their internal review identified an instance of recent improper conduct by an unnamed individual.
Johnson released a statement saying, “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 continued, “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.”
In another statement, Mayor Adams emphasized that, as a former law enforcement member, he holds the expectation that all his staff members adhere to the law and wholeheartedly cooperate with any investigative process. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, stating, “I have nothing to hide.”
Following an event at New York University on Monday, agents approached the 63-year-old Adams on the street and requested his security team to temporarily move aside, according to an insider cited by The Times.
Subsequently, the agents entered Adams’ SUV and executed a court-authorized warrant to confiscate his devices. The electronic items were later returned to the mayor.
BREAKING: The FBI has seized New York City Mayor Eric Adams's phones relating to a federal corruption investigation
The investigation is reportedly looking into whether his campaign conspired with the Turkish government.
According to the New York Times, FBI agents climbed into… pic.twitter.com/BqWeXsdEOw
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 10, 2023
Insiders told The New York Post that the FBI had previously informed Adams they would confiscate his devices. Nevertheless, the mayor was unaware that they would approach him on the street Monday evening.
Adams reached out to investigators upon returning to Gracie Mansion and discovering additional devices. He subsequently collaborated with the FBI to surrender these extra electronics. The nature of these additional devices remains unclear.
This isn’t the initial instance of individuals within Adams’ circle facing financial scrutiny.
In September, Eric Ulrich, the former buildings department commissioner under Adams, faced charges for allegedly trading political favors for over $150,000 in bribes, as reported by the New York Post.
Additionally, in July, six individuals were charged in a scheme aimed at raising funds for Adams’ 2021 campaign through illegal straw donations. This involved donating to another person, purportedly to circumvent campaign contribution limits.
