Reporting from Virginia: New York City Mayor Eric Adams is under increased scrutiny as the FBI seizes his cell phones and iPad in an ongoing federal investigation into campaign fundraising. This action follows the FBI raid on the home of Adams’ chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, on November 2, 2023.
The investigation aims to determine whether Adams’ 2021 campaign collaborated with a Brooklyn-based construction company to channel foreign money into campaign funds. While Adams has not faced any accusations of wrongdoing, this probe is a significant escalation, bringing the federal inquiry directly to the mayor, a Democrat with connections to Turkey.
FBI agents executed the seizure of electronic devices earlier this week, following a court-authorized search warrant. These devices will be examined as part of the broader investigation into potential illegal contributions from foreign nationals.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Adams defended himself and his campaign staff, emphasizing his commitment to cooperating with the investigation. “As a former member of law enforcement, I expect all members of my staff to follow the law and fully cooperate with any investigation – and I will continue to do exactly that,” Mayor Adams said in a statement.
The mayor, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing, promptly complied with the FBI’s request to provide electronic devices when approached after an event on Monday night. Boyd Johnson, Adams’ campaign attorney and spokesperson, stated that the mayor’s quick cooperation was a proactive measure after discovering an individual’s improper actions.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Adams affirmed his commitment to transparency and cooperation. “The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation,” added Johnson.
The FBI’s focus in this investigation is on whether foreign nationals, prohibited from making contributions, utilized a scheme to funnel money into Adams’ campaign. The alleged practice involves foreign business entities bundling donations by enlisting U.S. citizens of Turkish origin as “straw contributors.” This tactic masks foreign contributions as donations from American citizens who did not actually provide the money.
Adams, known for his ties to New York’s Turkish American community, has visited Turkey multiple times, including during his tenure as Brooklyn Borough president. The investigation aims to uncover whether campaign funds were compromised by foreign entities attempting to influence American politics.
This development comes amid a broader crackdown on corruption involving politicians and their ties to foreign governments, reminiscent of past cases like the charges against Senator Bob Menendez in 2023. The investigation into Adams’ campaign fundraising is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as federal authorities examine the seized electronic devices and conduct a thorough inquiry.
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