The recent corruption scandal involving New York City Mayor Eric Adams has shed light on the alleged pay-for-play scheme that spanned nearly a decade and ensnared people close to him, including his own domestic partner. Manhattan federal prosecutors have charged Mayor Adams with being part of a corrupt quid pro quo bribery conspiracy, accusing him of doling out favors in exchange for funds from foreign entities that were funneled into his 2021 campaign.
Although only Mayor Adams was indicted, the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office has outlined how others close to him have been implicated in his corruption. Some of these individuals were staffers during Adams’ tenure as Brooklyn borough president and then later when he became mayor. They are accused of arranging flights, accepting straw donations, and assisting with the opening of a luxurious Turkish tower, among other actions.
Others close to Adams allegedly benefited from his corruption by enjoying lavish accommodations and trips. Mayor Adams has been accused of taking bribes from foreign nationals in return for favors, as well as collecting a staggering $10 million in public campaign funds. He has denied any wrongdoing and vowed not to resign.
The indictment alleges that an unnamed Turkish entrepreneur sought advice on donating to Adams’ campaign coffers with foreign donations in June 2018. Rana Abbasova, who is described as a former aide and liaison to the Turkish community, initially advised against it but later presented the proposal to Adams, who allegedly pursued the scheme.
In August 2021, messages exchanged between Abbasova and the head of the Turkish University’s American campus reveal plans for a Turkish businessman to donate money to Adams’ campaign through the university’s US-based employees. Federal prosecutors have also accused Mayor Adams and his loyalists of attempting to cover their tracks as the investigation into their actions intensified.
As part of the federal probe, homes were raided in several top officials, including Abbasova, who allegedly deleted encrypted messages during a voluntary interview with the FBI. Mayor Adams pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
