NYC Mayor Eric Adams faces charges tied to foreign bribes, luxury travel perks

NEW YORK (TND) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday on federal charges, as he has been accused of taking bribes such as gifts and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources.

Adams spoke at a news conference soon after the charges were announced, denying the claims.

"I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city, as I have done throughout my entire professional career," the embattled mayor said.

Before he ended the conference, people started shouting at him and urged him to retire. But Adams refused to step down.

A 57-page indictment details the charges, which include the following:

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, program bribery receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals

Wire fraud

Two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national

Bribery

In the indictment, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damin Williams alleged Adams "sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government officials seeking to gain influence over him" for nearly 10 years.

According to the indictment, Adams “compounded his gains” from the illegal contributions by gaming the city’s matching funds program, which provides a generous match for small dollar donations. His campaign received more than $10,000 in matching funds as a result of the false certifications, the indictment noted.

Earlier on Thursday, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation visited Adams' home. There, they seized his cell phonejust hours before the indictment was made public.

During a separate news conference, FBI Assistant Director in ChargeJames Dennehy said the indictment is "a stinging reminder that no one is above the law."

"We cannot ignore the shadow cast by moments like this," he said, adding that Adams not only let down his constituents, but also his fellow elected officials.

Adams, 64, a former police officer, continues to maintain his innocence. He said he plans to fight the accusations.

“I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit,” he said in a video statement Wednesday night.

Sumber : thenationaldesk.com