The allegations against Eric Adams explained as NYC mayor is indicted on federal charges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted by a federal grand jury following a wide-ranging corruption investigation that has seen several top officials resign.

Adams, 64, became the first New York City mayor to be charged criminally while still in office on Wednesday - and afterwards issued a prerecorded response.

In a two-minute clip filmed from Gracie Mansion, the Democratic mayor said he always knew he would become a target because of his views, and also refused to leave office.

He was indicted following a number of federal corruption probes into campaign finances and alleged kickback schemes among top brass that began with a raid of one of his top fundraisers last November.

The exact charges against Adams are expected to be unsealed Thursday and could be connected to a series of scandals the first-term Democrat has been entangled in.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted following a wide-ranging corruption investigation

Turkey  

The first sign that federal authorities were investigating people close to Adams came early last November, when agents searched the home of one of his top fundraisers, Brianna Suggs.

On November 6, FBI agents stopped Adams himself as he left an event in Manhattan and seized his cellphones and iPad.

Agents also searched the home of Adams liaison to the Turkish community in New York and a former Turkish airline executive.

Prosecutors are said to be looking into whether the Turkish government conspired with Adams staff to bring money into the campaign. 

Over the summer, federal prosecutors subpoenaed Adams, his campaign arm and City Hall, requesting information about the mayor´s schedule, his overseas travel and potential connections to the Turkish government. 

They are investigating whether Eric Adams received free flight upgrades on Turkish Airlines.

Last November agents searched the home of one of his top fundraisers Brianna Suggs

Federal authorities are looking into whether he was elevated to the most expensive seats available on international flights as part of a wider corruption probe, The New York Times reported.

There are also allegations Adams pressured the New York City fire department to sign off on Turkeys high-rise consulate in Manhattan, even though there were safety concerns.

Adams admitted he helped the Turkish consulate get approval to open as he said its what politicians do every day.

When the constituency reaches out to us for assistance to another agency... you reach out to an agency and ask them to look into the matter, Adams said.  

Raiding of top aides

On September 4, agents seized electronic devices from the citys police commissioner, schools chancellor, deputy mayor of public safety, first deputy mayor and other trusted confidantes of Adams both in and out of City Hall.

Federal prosecutors declined to discuss the investigations, but people familiar with elements of the cases described multiple, separate inquiries involving senior Adams aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments.

Earlier this month, agents stormed the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, in a series of raids that for now remain under wraps 

After the searches came to light, a Brooklyn juice bar owner publicly accused a mayoral aide, Ray Martin, of trying to extort him by claiming he would receive better police treatment if he hired the police commissioners brother James Caban as a consultant. 

Federal investigators also seized devices from Philip and David Banks, as well as from First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who is David Banks´ domestic partner. 

A week after the searches, the citys police commissioner announced his resignation. The same day, Martin was fired from his job at City Hall.

About two weeks later, Schools Chancellor David Banks announced he would retire at the end of the year. 

This past Friday, the city director of Asylum Seeker Operations, Molly Schaeffer, who worked closely with Pearson, received a subpoena to testify in front of a grand jury. Unlike other aides, her devices were not seized by federal agents. 

Trouble in the police and fire departments

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigned this month amid an ongoing investigation into corruption that is tied to his twin brother.

Caban, a career cop who served with New York Mayor Eric Adams in the 1990s, announced his resignation in a letter to all officers.

Federal investigators seized his phone and the devices of other senior aides.

The investigation stems from his relationship with his twin brother, James. According to The New York Daily News, James is being investigated for allegedly selling favors to the nightclub venues he consults for.

Two high-ranking fire chiefs were arrested on charges that they solicited tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from people seeking preferential treatment from the Fire Departments safety inspection bureau. Both have pleaded not guilty.

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban (pictured) resigned this month amid an ongoing investigation into corruption

Two high-ranking fire chiefs were arrested on charges that they solicited tens of thousands of dollars in bribes

Federal authorities searched the homes of New York City´s newly named interim police commissioner, Thomas Donlan, and seized materials unrelated to his police work. 

Donlon confirmed the search and said it involved materials that had been in his possession for 20 years.

He did not address what the investigation was about, but a person familiar with the investigation said it had to do with classified documents dating from the years when Donlon worked for the FBI. 

Asian affairs liaison investigation 

Federal prosecutors are also investigating Winnie Greco, the citys director of Asian Affairs and a longtime Adams ally. 

She is one of Adams close aides who raised thousands of dollars in campaign donations from the citys Chinese American communities and later became his director of Asian affairs.

Her home was raided by the FBI in February this year. Greco hasnt commented publicly on the FBI searches of her properties and continues to work for the city.

Federal prosecutors are also investigating Winnie Greco , the citys director of Asian Affairs

Greco(pictured to the right of Adams) is being probed by over claims she improperly used her position in City Hall to get perks

Greco was already being probed by the city Department of Investigation over allegations that in 2022 she promised a campaign volunteer a job in Adams administration if they renovated her kitchen.

She has also been accused of reaching out to prominent Chinese business executives to male $10,000 donations to attend a Chinese-focused event at the mayors mansion.

Greco has been affiliated with Adams since his time as Brooklyn borough president. At the time she worked as the Chinese community liaison and a volunteer fundraiser.