The FBI is reportedly investigating New York City Mayor Eric Adams for his possible involvement in the bureaucratic process leading up to the opening of a high-rise building that will house the Turkish consulate in Manhattan.
The New York Times reported, citing three people familiar with the matter, that in late summer 2021, after Adams won the Democratic primary, then-New York City Fire Department Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro was first reported on Sunday. The government will need to occupy the building, at least temporarily.
Fire officials had refused an occupancy permit citing safety concerns, preventing the building from opening. The allegations of interference occurred during Adams’ second term as Brooklyn borough president, when he defeated Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, before the mayoral general election in November of the same year.
The FBI declined to comment on the Times report when contacted by Fox News Digital on Sunday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ electronic devices seized by FBI during campaign investigation
New York City Mayor Eric Adams made a public safety-related announcement at New York City Police Department headquarters on October 26, 2023. FBI agents reportedly seized a cell phone and iPad from Adams as part of a campaign finance investigation. (Mayor’s Photo Bureau/Ed Reed, via Associated Press)
Fox News Digital also reached out to the mayor’s office and Adams’ attorney Boyd Johnson regarding the allegations.
The Times reported that the FBI has been questioning fire officials about Adams’ unusual interference since at least last spring as part of a broader corruption probe.
The paper cited an FBI search warrant for the home of the mayor’s chief fundraiser, saying the federal investigation is investigating whether Adams’ campaign colluded with the Turkish government, including the New York consulate, to illegally raise foreign funds. It is reported that progress is being made at the center. There is money in the safe.
Citing people familiar with the matter and city records, the Times reported that Adams’ alleged meddling led to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s $300 million 35-story building during a visit to New York in September 2021. It was reported that the path has been opened for him to preside over the grand opening of the tower. He attended the United Nations General Assembly despite a flawed fire protection system.
Adams’ campaign released a statement on his behalf that was provided to the Times Saturday morning.
“Part of my day-to-day role as borough president was to notify government agencies of issues on behalf of my constituents and district,” Adams said. “I have not been accused of wrongdoing and will continue to cooperate with the investigation.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams holds a meeting with the Retail Theft Task Force at Gracie Mansion in Manhattan on November 8, 2023. (Ed Reed/Mayor’s Photo Office, via AP)
What the FBI seized from the home of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ top fundraiser
The focus of the federal investigation has not yet been announced by federal prosecutors.
FBI agents secretly seized a cellphone and iPad from Adams early last week as part of an investigation into political fundraising during the 2021 election, Adams’ attorney said Friday.
Johnson’s statement said the attack occurred as Adams was leaving a public event in Manhattan.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams smiles as athletes head toward the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge at the start of the New York City Marathon on November 5, 2023 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
“The FBI approached the mayor after an incident Monday night, and the mayor immediately complied with the FBI’s request and provided electronic equipment,” Johnson said. “The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation.”
The seizure of the equipment, first reported by the New York Times, came four days after federal agents searched the Brooklyn home of Brianna Suggs, a top Adams campaign fundraiser. The raid prompted the mayor to cancel his trip to Washington, where he was scheduled to meet with White House officials, and instead returned to New York.
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Adams, a former police chief, said in a statement Friday that he has “nothing to hide.” “As a former member of law enforcement, I expect all of my staff to abide by the law and cooperate fully in all types of investigations, and that is exactly what we will continue to do,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
