On Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges following a lengthy corruption investigation that began two years ago.
The indictment, which remains unsealed, refers to the charges brought against Adams by the city's first sitting mayor. New York Times report.
In the year A federal investigation launched in 2021 by the FBI and federal prosecutors in Manhattan will focus on Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign and possible ties to illegal foreign donations.
Specifically, investigators say Adams and his campaign received illegal contributions from the Turkish government and that New York Fire Department officials are pushing to approve a new high-rise Turkish consulate over security concerns.
The New York City mayor's press office did not immediately return a request for comment.
Adams, who campaigned on a platform of reform, innovation and pro-crypto policies, has done no wrong. In response to the lawsuit, Adams framed the lawsuit as a politically targeted attack, citing his history of fighting injustice.
“I will fight these injustices with all my might and spirit. “I know I'm innocent if I'm accused,” Adams said. Video description.
He expressed his belief in his innocence and called for a speedy trial, saying New Yorkers deserve transparency.
Federal officials are seeking benefits from Adams, such as flight upgrades from Turkish Airlines.
Gov. Cathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office if the charges impair his ability to govern. The lawsuit casts doubt on Adam's re-election chances in 2025.
Adams' support for cryptocurrency is a key aspect of his tenure. Shortly after starting work in January 2022, he He promised To receive the first three payment checks in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The ongoing investigation into him lasted until late 2022, when an FBI investigation of Brianna Suggs, Adams' top fundraiser in Brooklyn, brought the case to light.
Agents seized several digital devices, including laptops and an iPhone, as well as documents marked “Eric Adams.” Suggs has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
The investigation also involved several senior officials in the Adams administration. Earlier this month, federal agents seized phones from several city leaders, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Schools Chancellor David Banks.
Both officials resigned soon after, and the Adams administration was thrown into disarray under intense scrutiny. The lawsuit puts additional pressure on Adams, who now faces legal challenges as he oversees city affairs.
Adams has been a crypto advocate since 2015, calling Bitcoin a “disruptive technology”. During his mayoral campaign, he promised to make New York a hub for life sciences, cybersecurity and digital assets.
Edited by Sebastian Sinclair
Daily Debrief Newspaper
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