New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign is at the center of an investigation led by federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. According to multiple reports, federal prosecutors are looking into whether Adams’ journey to city hall was fueled by illegal foreign donations. Thus far, investigators have searched the home of Adams’ fundraising lead, Brianna Suggs. Agents have reportedly seized “three iPhones and two laptop computers, along with papers and other evidence, including something agents identified as ‘manila folder labeled Eric Adams,’ seven ‘contribution card binders’ and other materials, according to the documents.”
Adams was scheduled to participate in several meetings in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. However, the mayor adjusted his schedule and headed back to New York abruptly to “deal with a matter.” More recently, he has denied having any knowledge of “improper fundraising activity” and pledged to “work with officials to respond to inquiries, as appropriate — as we always have.”
“I am outraged and angry if anyone attempted to use the campaign to manipulate our democracy and defraud our campaign,” the mayor stated.
“I want to be clear, I have no knowledge, direct or otherwise, of any improper fundraising activity — and certainly not of any foreign money.”
The investigation regarding donations to Adams’ 2021 campaign is intertwined with KSK Construction Group, “a Brooklyn construction company with ties to Turkey.” Several employees at KSK Construction Group reportedly made separate donations totaling more than $13,000 to the Adams campaign on the same day. Most notably, CNN notes that KSK Construction Group Owner Erden Arkan also donated $1,500 to Adams. Thus far, the construction company has not issued a statement regarding the matter.
“I feel extremely comfortable about how I comply with rules and procedures. I’ve stated this over and over again,” Adams said.
“I hold myself to a high standard, I hold my campaign to a high standard, and I hold my staffers at city hall to a high standard.”
