Bribery and corruption charges against New York Mayor Adams: Türkevi detail in the indictment

A 57-page indictment has been prepared against Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, the most populous city in the US, charging him with five counts including corruption and bribery.

US prosecutors have confronted Adams with charges of bribery and corruption linked to Turkey.

Prosecutors alleged that Adams accepted illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel from Turkish citizens who wanted to exert influence over him.

In the 57-page indictment, prosecutors claimed that starting from his time as Brooklyn Borough President and continuing through his 2021 mayoral campaign, Adams funneled funds from Turkey into his campaign by concealing them through US citizens. Thanks to these funds, Adams managed to receive 10 million dollars in additional support from public financing.

The indictment alleged that Adams established close relationships with Turkish officials and received significant financial support from them.

ALLEGATION THAT HE PRESSURED INSPECTORS FOR THE OPENING OF TÜRKEVI

The indictment claimed that Adams pressured officials in New York to fulfill Turkey's requests. It was alleged that at the request of a Turkish diplomat, Adams pressured city safety inspectors to approve the opening of Turkey's new 36-story consulate building despite concerns that it would not pass a fire inspection, and that as a result of this pressure, the building's opening was approved. It was claimed that after this incident, the Turkish diplomat told Adams, "You are a true friend of Turkey." Prosecutors stated that Adams received significant support from Turkish officials in return for such favors.

DENIED THE CHARGES

Adams faces five charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Stating that he will not resign, Adams denied the charges and said, "I will continue to do my job as mayor."

"I LOOK FORWARD TO DEFENDING MYSELF"

Adams stated that he would not take a step back in the face of the charges brought against him and said he aims to open a public case. Expressing, "I know I did not take money from foreign donors," Adams said, "I want to thank the supporters from all ethnic groups here, especially the clergy who joined me here today. And we are not surprised, we were expecting this.

What has happened in the last 10 months is not surprising to us at all, and I asked New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before them. In about 30 minutes, you will hear stories about the case before us. The stories will come from federal prosecutors. I ask you to wait here, listen to what is told from our side.

From here on, my lawyers will handle the case, and I will be able to handle the city. My daily duties will not change. I will continue to do my job for the 8.3 million New Yorkers, and the more than 300 thousand employees of our city administration will also continue to do their jobs, because as New Yorkers, as the people of this city, that is what we do; it is not possible for anyone to say they will not do their jobs while this case continues in the background. They are dedicated public servants, and I have been one of them for many years, and they will continue to do their jobs and move the city forward every day. It is an unfortunate day and a painful day, a day when we will finally reveal why I have been going through this for 10 months, and I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city, as I have done throughout my entire professional career," he said.

THEY CALLED FOR RESIGNATION

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the authority to remove Adams from office, refrained from calling on Adams to resign. Hochul's spokesperson Avi Small said, "Governor Hochul is aware of these concerning reports and is monitoring the situation. It would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement."

Other Democratic politicians, including New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, are preparing to pressure Adams to resign. US Representative Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on Adams to resign.

However, Representative Hakeem Jeffries, who resides in Brooklyn and serves as the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, refrained from doing so. Jeffries wrote on social media, "I am praying for the well-being of our Great City."

HIGH-LEVEL OFFICIALS HAD RESIGNED

Adams facing charges has led to political turmoil in New York. In recent weeks, high-level officials in New York have left their posts one by one. Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on September 12, a week after FBI agents seized his phone. Subsequently, Adams's chief legal counsel left his post.

After the New York Times reported that the phones of the city's public schools chancellor, David Banks, were seized by federal agents, he announced that he would retire at the end of the year. These developments have made the political atmosphere in New York even more tense.

News Source: İHA