New York City Mayor Eric Adams seems to have made real ties with some Turks

…not in a good way, I guess.

According to the 57-page indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, there are significant alleged ties to the Turkish government. Here are the key points:

Connections to Turkish Officials

The indictment outlines an alleged scheme involving Turkish government officials and business leaders connected to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan[1]. These individuals are accused of providing Adams with various benefits in exchange for political favors.

Alleged Benefits Received

The indictment claims that Adams received several benefits from Turkish sources:

1. Illegal campaign contributions: Turkish government-linked individuals allegedly provided substantial illegal foreign campaign contributions to Adams[1][2].

2. Luxury travel perks: Adams reportedly accepted over $35,000 worth of complimentary business class flights from Turkish Airlines between 2015 and 2018[1]. He also allegedly received free or heavily discounted stays at luxury hotels in Turkey, including the St. Regis hotel in Istanbul[1].

3. Other perks: The indictment mentions free transportation, meals, and entertainment during Adams’ trips to Turkey[1].

Alleged Favors for Turkey

In return for these benefits, Adams allegedly performed various services for the Turkish government:

1. Consular facility approval: Adams reportedly pressured a local fire official to overlook safety standards and approve the establishment of a Turkish consular facility in New York City[1][3].

Timeline of Involvement

The indictment suggests that Adams’ connections with Turkish government and business figures date back to 2015 when he was the borough president of Brooklyn[1]. The alleged scheme continued through his mayoral campaign and into his time as mayor-elect[4].

Charges

As a result of these alleged ties and actions, Adams faces five separate criminal charges, including bribery, soliciting illegal foreign donations, and wire fraud[2][3].

The indictment paints a picture of a long-standing relationship between Adams and Turkish officials, involving both financial and political favors over several years.

Citations:
1. The Guardian – Eric Adams Indictment: Alleged Ties to Turkey
2. Al Jazeera – New York’s Mayor Eric Adams Indicted: Everything You Need to Know
3. Vox – Eric Adams Indictment: Connections to Turkey
4. Politico – Adams Indictment Focuses on Connections to Turkey
5. Reuters – Criminal Charges Against New York Mayor Adams Expected to be Unsealed