New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing a federal probe into his campaign fundraising, as the FBI recently confiscated several electronic devices belonging to him. The investigation is part of a growing public corruption investigation centered around Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign. The FBI seized an iPad and at least two cell phones from Adams, but the devices were later returned to him. In response to the investigation, Adams has hired the law firm WilmerHale as his legal counsel.
Adams, a former member of law enforcement, has stated that he expects all members of his staff to follow the law and fully cooperate with the investigation.[0] He has expressed his commitment to transparency and cooperation, stating that he has nothing to hide. Adams' spokesperson, Boyd Johnson, also emphasized the mayor's cooperation and stated that an individual close to Adams had acted improperly, and the behavior was immediately reported to investigators.
The investigation is examining whether Adams' campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal foreign donations. Brianna Suggs, a top fundraiser and friend of Adams, had her home raided by the FBI, raising questions about Adams' fundraising tactics.[1] Suggs, who raised $18.4 million for Adams' successful 2021 election campaign, has also overseen the amassing of more than $2.7 million in contributions for his 2025 reelection campaign.[2]
The FBI is looking into whether Adams' campaign coordinated with Turkish-linked groups, companies, and individuals to inject foreign money into the campaign through straw donors. Straw donors are individuals or companies who illegally make donations using someone else's money but using their own name to hide the true source.[2]
The federal investigation has also focused on KSK Construction Group, a Turkish-American construction company at the center of the probe.[3] The FBI is investigating whether KSK was used to funnel illegal Turkish-government contributions to Adams' campaign through a straw-donor scheme.[4] KSK's Williamsburg offices were also searched by federal investigators.[4] The company received loans from Turkiye Vakiflar Bankasi, a bank owned by the Turkish government, which reportedly provided financial support to KSK and its associates.[5]
Adams' attorney, Boyd Johnson, has emphasized the campaign's commitment to transparency and cooperation with investigators. He stated that the campaign reported the improper behavior of an individual to investigators promptly.[6]
The seizure of Adams' electronic devices occurred while he was in Washington, D.C., meeting with officials about the city's migrant crisis. Adams abruptly returned to New York City after learning of the raid on Suggs' home.[7] Adams expressed his support for his staff and Suggs, who he said went through a traumatic experience.
As the investigation unfolds, Adams maintains his innocence and asserts that he had no knowledge of any improper fundraising activity. He has pledged to work with officials and respond to inquiries as necessary. Federal law prohibits foreign nationals and governments from donating to political campaigns at the local, state, or federal level.[3]
The FBI's investigation into Adams' campaign fundraising raises significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential influence of foreign money. As the probe continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact Adams' political career and the reputation of New York City's government.
0. “FBI seized electronic devices from New York City Mayor Eric Adams” Gothamist, 10 Nov. 2023, https://gothamist.com/news/fbi-seized-electronic-devices-from-new-york-city-mayor-eric-adams
1. “FBI seizes New York City mayor’s devices amid campaign probe: Report” The Hill, 10 Nov. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4304760-eric-adams-fbi-seizes-devices-campaign-probe
2. “What the FBI seized from the home of New York City Mayor Eric Adams' top fundraiser” Fox News, 3 Nov. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/what-fbi-seized-home-new-york-city-mayor-eric-adams-top-fundraiser
3. “Turkey Probe: Eric Adams Campaign Took Money from Leaders of Erdogan-Backed Foundation” HuffPost, 8 Nov. 2023, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eric-adams-campaign-turkey-turken-donations-foundation-erdogan_n_654bfe87e4b0e3ecaf8c0e46
4. “FBI Probe Targets Eric Adams Fundraiser by Construction Firm” Curbed, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.curbed.com/2023/11/ksk-eric-adams-fbi-turkish-campaign-finance-probe.html
5. “Construction Company in NYC Mayor Probe Got Millions From Turkish Bank” The Daily Beast, 7 Nov. 2023, https://www.thedailybeast.com/construction-company-in-nyc-mayor-probe-got-millions-from-turkish-bank
6. “FBI seizes electronic devices from New York City mayor” POLITICO, 11 Nov. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/11/10/report-fbi-seizes-electronic-devices-from-nyc-mayor-00126663
7. “FBI Seized NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ Phones Amid Campaign Investigation” Forbes, 10 Nov. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/11/10/fbi-seized-nyc-mayor-eric-adams-phones-amid-campaign-investigation
