The Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has been charged with bribery and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources, according to a five-count criminal indictment filed against him. Prosecutors allege that Adams accepted luxury international travel benefits from wealthy foreign businesspeople and Turkish officials seeking influence over him. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. Adams allegedly failed to disclose these travel benefits in his financial disclosures and used fake paper trails to create the appearance of paying for them when they were heavily discounted or free.
Before his election as mayor, Turkish officials allegedly pressured Adams to facilitate the opening of a new Turkish consular building without a fire inspection in exchange for travel benefits. The indictment also claims that Adams sought illegal campaign contributions from Turkish officials.
Adams maintains his innocence and vows to fight the charges, stating that he follows campaign rules and the law. However, many local politicians and activists, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are calling for his resignation in light of the indictment. If convicted, Adams could face significant prison time for the charges against him. The US attorney involved in the case emphasized that the charges are not politically motivated, but rather a result of Adams allegedly abusing his public office and breaching the public trust.
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