This article has been updated to include recent details and to correct the spelling of Josh Greenman’s name.

Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, has been indicted on charges of federal bribery, fraud, and violations related to campaign finance. This marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first sitting mayor of the city to face criminal charges while in office.

A 57-page indictment released on Thursday alleges that Adams engaged in corrupt activities over the past ten years, claiming he acted as an agent for the Turkish government. In exchange for illegal campaign financing and complimentary travel, he allegedly traded his influence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated in a press conference, “Adams misused his role as the highest elected official in New York City, as well as his previous position as Brooklyn borough president, by accepting bribes and seeking unlawful campaign contributions.”

The charges include defrauding the city’s public campaign finance program of $10 million and receiving $100,000 worth of complimentary travel to destinations such as France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, and Turkey.

The indictment noted that as Adams’ influence grew, foreign benefactors sought to take advantage of their corrupt relationship with him, especially when it became evident that he would be New York City’s mayor in 2021. “Adams agreed, providing favorable treatment in return for the illicit benefits he was given,” the indictment states.

Despite the legal troubles, the former police captain remained defiant, asserting he would not bow to calls for resignation.

“Over the past 10 months, there have been leaks and disparaging commentary,” Adams told reporters after the charges were disclosed. “This moment does not surprise us. I urge New Yorkers to hold off on judgment until they hear our defense.”

Concerns about Fundraising Origins

Questions surrounding Adams’ fundraising tactics and other actions prior to his mayoral election in 2021 have persisted. During the summer, federal agents confiscated his phone and conducted searches at properties connected to his chief campaign fundraiser.

Recently, the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan carried out searches involving key members of Adams’ inner circle, including the police commissioner, who subsequently resigned. “Many observers saw this situation spiraling out of control right from the start,” remarked Josh Greenman in the public affairs journal Vital City.

“As Eric Adams campaigned for mayor, even his supporters couldn’t overlook his tendency to secure donations from questionable sources and associate with those who regarded regulations as mere suggestions,” Greenman added.

On Thursday morning, federal agents also searched Adams’ official residence.

A caravan of almost a dozen investigators arrived at Gracie Mansion, a historic landmark on the Upper East Side, in the early hours of the morning.

Alex Spiro, Adams’ attorney, claimed that investigators were merely trying to create a “spectacle” by seizing a phone, according to a report from the New York Times.

Improper Use of Public Campaign Funds

Adams has denied any wrongdoing.

“If there are campaign violations, I can assure you I have not violated campaign laws,” Adams stated. “And when it comes to foreign donations, I don’t accept money from foreign donors.”

The indictment alleges that Adams accepted unlawful foreign contributions and donations that exceeded legal limits through “straw” donors, subsequently increasing his campaign funds by claiming matching public financing for these illegal donations. New York City provides public financing for campaigns that adhere to specific limits, offering $8 for every $1 raised from smaller donors.

The indictment asserts that Adams’ campaign benefited from $10 million in public funds based on these illegal donations.

The FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan have yet to respond to requests for comment.

The Turkish Consulate Matter

The indictment further claims that Adams assisted his Turkish benefactors by facilitating city authorization for a new consulate, which had failed to meet fire safety standards.

In September 2021—after Adams secured the Democratic primary for mayor, virtually guaranteeing his election in November—Turkish officials faced pressure to finish a new 36-story consular skyscraper in Manhattan ahead of a visit from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The indictment alleges that Adams pressured the fire department to expedite the approval process, and a senior inspection official was allegedly warned he would be fired if he did not comply.

“After Adams intervened, the skyscraper opened as requested,” the indictment claims.

Adams’ Appointee Participated in the Indictment

At the press conference on Thursday, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams was joined by Jocelyn Stauber, the city’s investigations commissioner, who was appointed by Adams. “We conducted this investigation as we would with any case, adhering strictly to facts and working to hold accountable anyone who has done wrong, irrespective of their position,” Stauber shared with the media. “Our access to city records and our expertise in municipal governance equips us to play a crucial role in combating corruption.”

Multiple Investigations Underway

Adams is currently facing scrutiny from several federal investigations concerning his administration.

Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on September 13 after federal raids targeted senior city officials, including Caban, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor for Criminal Justice Philip Banks III, and Schools Chancellor David Banks.

Federal prosecutors have been investigating potential illegal contributions to Adams’ campaign from Turkey since last year. Reports also indicate that investigators are looking into a possible protection racket within a nightclub run by certain members of the New York Police Department, as well as city contracts linked to housing for migrants.