New York City Mayor Eric Adams charged with wire fraud, bribery and illegal foreign campaign contributions

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been hit with federal criminal charges, including bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday morning.

Adams, 64, a former police officer who was elected nearly three years ago on a platform of tough-on-crime policies, is now facing increasing scrutiny amid multiple federal corruption investigations.

One key focus of the investigations is whether Adams’ campaign received illegal foreign donations, particularly from Turkey. Despite the mounting allegations, Adams has denied any involvement in wrongdoing and has rejected calls for his resignation. In a video released Wednesday night, following news of the indictment, Adams stated that any charges against him would be “entirely false” and “based on lies.”

Since taking office on January 1, 2022, Adams and his administration have come under growing federal scrutiny. The FBI raided the home of his chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, along with other campaign members last year. The investigation is believed to center on potential illegal campaign contributions from the Turkish government and other foreign entities.

The pressure has only intensified in recent weeks, leading to the resignation of several high-ranking officials within the Adams administration. The police commissioner, health commissioner, and the mayor’s chief counsel have all stepped down. Additionally, New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks announced his resignation after federal investigators seized his phones during a search of the home he shares with Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright on September 4.