A Manhattan grand jury has officially indicted New York City Mayor Eric Adams on federal criminal charges, multiple sources familiar with the case confirmed to TV5s News. The exact nature of the charges remains under wraps, as the details of the indictment are currently sealed, leaving the public in anticipation.
According to multiple sources, the indictment may be unsealed as soon as tomorrow, potentially revealing the specific allegations against Adams. The FBI and the Department of Justice have both declined to comment on the situation, maintaining an air of mystery surrounding the case. As of now, it is unclear who Adams has chosen to represent him as his personal attorney.
In response to the news, Mayor Adams issued a defiant statement through the Associated Press, acknowledging the scrutiny he’s faced since taking office. “I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers, I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams said. He went on to declare his innocence, adding, “If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
In connection with the investigation, several individuals closely associated with Adams, who is a 63-year-old former NYPD captain, have already been subject to raids, signaling that authorities are casting a wide net in their pursuit of evidence.
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In February, FBI agents conducted a raid on the Bronx residence of Winnie Greco, one of Mayor Eric Adams’ most senior aides. This marked the beginning of a series of high-profile actions targeting individuals within the mayor’s inner circle. Then, in November, federal authorities descended upon the property of Cenk Ocal, another close aide and former executive of Turkish Airlines, who had become involved with the mayor’s transition team. During the same month, federal agents also paid a visit to Brianna Suggs, the mayor’s chief fundraiser, further intensifying the scrutiny surrounding Adams’ associates. These coordinated actions suggest a broadening investigation into key figures linked to the mayor.
Adams’ Office Blasts FBI Employee for Allegedly ‘Improperly Leaking’ Corruption Investigation Details
In May, Rana Abbasova, a close aide to Mayor Eric Adams, reportedly turned on the mayor following mounting scrutiny over his ties to Turkish Airlines, according to a report by The New York Times. This development added further fuel to the growing political storm surrounding Adams’ administration.
Several New York State lawmakers have voiced their agreement that Abbasova’s decision marks a turning point and that it is time for a change in leadership. Gerard Kassar, Chairman of the New York State Conservative Party, emphasized the need for the mayor to step down: “The mayor and his administration appear to be riddled with corruption, and the public has lost all confidence in their ability to move the five boroughs forward. Mr. Adams should do what’s best for this city and step aside so that a new election can be held. His situation is untenable.”
New York Congressman Nick Langworthy echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the mayor’s leadership and linking it to broader Democratic failings: “Another NY Democrat clouded in scandal. Time and again, they have proved they only care about their personal power and scoring political points, not what’s best for New York’s taxpayers. It’s time for people to send a message that they aren’t going to take it anymore.”
New York GOP Chair Ed Cox drew comparisons to other high-profile Democratic scandals, referencing the resignations of former Governors Andrew Cuomo and Eliot Spitzer. “We can add another name to the list of high-ranking Democrats in Albany and New York City tarnished by scandal,” Cox said. “One-party Democrat rule in New York City and New York State is not serving the best interests of our citizens, who continue to flee New York for states with lower taxes, more freedom, and less corruption. It is highly likely that Mayor Adams will have to resign following the revelation of the specific charges against him.”
The FBI has been investigating whether Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign colluded with the Turkish government and other entities to raise campaign funds, adding yet another layer of complexity to the growing allegations against him.
