The FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office in New York are investigating New York City Mayor Eric Adams over whether he accepted free upgrades from Turkish Airlines on his many trips — personal and official — to Turkey, The New York Times reported Friday.
It's the latest development in a broader investigation into Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign fundraising efforts, a corruption probe that saw Adams' house — and several others — raided by federal agents in November. Adams also had his phones and iPad seized by FBI agents.
The broader probe centers on whether the Turkish government funneled foreign money into Adams' mayoral campaign and if, in return, Adams pressured the New York City Fire Department to approve Turkey's high-rise consulate despite safety concerns in 2021, the Times reported.
Adams' alleged acceptance of upgrades dates to his time as borough president of Brookyn as well as during his tenure as mayor, according to the Times.
"As borough president, the mayor consistently disclosed his official travel to Turkey, did not receive any improper upgrades and did nothing inappropriate in exchange for an upgrade," Adams attorney Brendan McGuire said in a statement. "Speculation is not evidence. We look forward to a just and timely conclusion to this investigation."
Associates of Adams — former airline executive Cenk Ocal; Rana Abbasova; and his chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs — are also being investigated for the upgrades and broader corruption probe. They, too, had their homes searched in November. Abbasova is Adams' liaison to the Turkish community in New York City and was also instrumental in fostering the relationship between Adams and Turkish Airlines, according to the report.
Ocal and Abbasova arranged some of the upgrades on Adams' behalf, the Times reported, adding that it's unclear how many he accepted and what the value was.
Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
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