Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams has come under scrutiny as FBI agents seized his cell phones while investigating allegations of his 2021 campaign’s connection with the Turkish government. According to reports from The New York Times, Adams was approached by FBI agents while walking on the street last week, accompanied by his security detail.
The agents reportedly entered Adams’ SUV and confiscated two cell phones and an iPad. Although the devices were returned within a few days, the reasons behind the FBI’s actions remain unclear, leaving many questions regarding the corruption investigation.
Responding to these developments, Adams’ campaign attorney, Boyd Johnson, explained, “After learning of the federal investigation, it was discovered that an individual had recently acted improperly. In the spirit of transparency and cooperation, this behavior was immediately and proactively reported to investigators.”
Johnson further affirmed the mayor’s commitment to assisting in the investigation, stating, “The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation.”
As shared by reporter Henry Rosoff, Mayor Adams, a former member of law enforcement, reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the law, stating, “As a former member of law enforcement, I expect all members of my staff to follow the law and fully cooperate with any sort of investigation—and I will continue to do exactly that. I have nothing to hide.”
NEW: @ericadamsfornyc says federal agents have seized his electronic devices as part of the ongoing investigation involving his top fundraiser… pic.twitter.com/yglCzl3dpD
— Henry Rosoff (@HenryRosoff) November 10, 2023
The FBI’s investigation centers on allegations that Adams’ campaign may have received illegal donations from the Turkish government during his 2021 mayoral race. Campaign records examined by the New York Post revealed that Adams’ campaign accepted $6,000 from three donors associated with a foundation supported by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s son.
As part of the investigation, the FBI conducted a raid on the home of one of Adams’ top fundraisers, Brianna Suggs, two weeks ago in search of evidence of potential collusion between Adams’ campaign and the Turkish government, particularly through a Brooklyn construction company.
Agents reportedly confiscated multiple iPhones, laptops, and documents from Suggs’ home, including a folder labeled “Eric Adams.”
The FBI’s warrant for the search of Suggs’ residence also sought to establish connections to donations from Bay Atlantic University, a D.C. college founded by a Turkish individual. Notably, the raid was strategically executed while Mayor Adams was out of the city, according to law enforcement sources cited by the New York Post.
