New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on charges of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday.
Adams exploited the city’s campaign funds-matching program, which offers substantial matches for small donations, according to the documents reported by the Associated Press and others. His campaign secured more than $10,000 in matching funds through such false filings, the indictment alleges.
He also “solicited and demanded” bribes, including free or heavily discounted luxury travel perks from a Turkish official, the indictment claims. The official, it alleges, sought Adams’ assistance getting around regulations for a consulate in Manhattan.
The mayor said at a Thursday news conference that he would fight the charges, had no plans to resign and intended to continue his civic duties. The indictment comes after a dramatic few weeks in New York, where federal investigators have dogged the mayor’s office with raids and subpoenas, resulting in a series of high-profile resignations.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said Thursday that Adams and his inner circle engaged in corruption involving bribes from foreign nationals for nearly a decade. He said the investigation is still ongoing and that more people will be held accountable.
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