Overview of the FBI Inquiry
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is conducting a probe into New York City Mayor Eric Adams, focusing on his campaign finances, potential favors, and the possibility of foreign influence. This investigation is drawing attention to Adams’ connections with the Turkish-American community in New York City, including his numerous visits to Turkey.
A key aspect of this inquiry involves the examination of Adams’ interactions with Turkish government representatives both in New York and Turkey. The FBI is investigating whether these interactions were part of an effort by a foreign government to gain favor and advance Turkey’s business interests in New York, potentially laying the groundwork for a long-term alliance with a prominent American politician.
One of the central allegations under investigation concerns a Brooklyn-based construction firm, KSK, owned by a Turkish-American businessman. It is alleged that the company orchestrated a scheme where employees and others were encouraged to donate to Adams’ campaign, only to be reimbursed by KSK, thereby circumventing campaign finance laws.
The FBI has reportedly obtained records of checks and wire transfers from KSK that match the amounts of the campaign contributions. These contributions exceeded the legal limit and also triggered matching funds from the city. KSK is known for its extensive construction projects in New York City, ranging from townhouse renovations to large-scale skyscrapers, which often require numerous permits and interactions with city agencies.
On November 2, the FBI mobilized nearly 100 agents to execute search warrants and conduct interviews at multiple locations. Among these locations was the home of Brianna Suggs, head of Adams’ campaign fundraising operations. Agents seized phones, an iPad, and numerous records during these searches.
Adams, upon learning of the searches, canceled a meeting at the White House and returned to New York. Subsequently, FBI agents met with Adams and requested two phones and an iPad under a search warrant authorized by a federal judge. The mayor later voluntarily surrendered two additional devices as part of his cooperation with the investigation.
Lisa Zornberg, chief counsel to the mayor, emphasized the mayor’s ongoing cooperation with the investigators and called for action against any federal officer who has improperly leaked details about the investigation.
The FBI and city officials are also investigating whether Adams, during his tenure as Brooklyn Borough President in 2021, influenced the New York City Fire Department to waive safety requirements for the Turkish Mission to the United Nations. This was allegedly to facilitate the opening of the building in time for a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Adams is said to have forwarded a request from the Turkish Consul General to the then Fire Commissioner, leading to a temporary certificate of occupancy being issued despite unmet safety requirements.
In response to these developments, Adams stated that as Borough President, it was routine for him to notify government agencies of constituent issues. He reiterated that he has not been accused of wrongdoing and will continue to cooperate with investigators. Dan Nigro, the former Fire Commissioner, has received a grand jury subpoena and voluntarily spoke with FBI agents regarding this aspect of the investigation.
John Miller, a former deputy commissioner of the NYPD who served under Mayor Adams, left the department in July 2022.
