**Brooklyn Borough President Reflects on Puzzling Turkish Gifts Amid Adams Indictment**

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso recently revealed that he returned several porcelain tea sets gifted to him by the Turkish government shortly after he assumed office, a decision he now views with greater clarity following the corruption indictment of his predecessor, Mayor Eric Adams. The revelation, first reported by PIX11, sheds light on a pattern of Turkish attempts to court Brooklyn leaders.

Reynoso explained that he also turned down an invitation from the Turkish government to visit the country, recalling how they assured him they would "take care of it." This offer, he later realized, was similar to the extensive perks that federal prosecutors allege Adams accepted during his tenure as Brooklyn’s borough president, forming the basis of a significant bribery and corruption case. These perks, valued at over $100,000, included international business class upgrades, luxury hotel accommodations, complimentary meals, and exclusive boat tours.

Notably, Adams, who served as borough president from 2014 to 2021, is accused of benefiting from these gifts, thereby falling under the influence of the Turkish government. The indictment details how the Turkish officials allegedly expected Adams to return favors, such as facilitating the FDNY’s approval of a 36-story skyscraper called the Turkish House, despite safety concerns.

Elected in 2021, Reynoso encountered Turkish officials early in his term, who not only extended the travel invitation but also attempted to gift him and his staff eight ornate porcelain, gold-plated tea sets. This gesture raised suspicions with Reynoso, who was aware of the complexities and conflict-of-interest policies surrounding international travel for New York City officials.

Initially, Reynoso perceived the Turkish consulate’s actions as a misunderstanding of the city's anti-graft policies. However, in light of the allegations against Adams, he believes the Turkish officials were fully aware of their actions and their potential implications. Reflecting on his decision to return the gifts, Reynoso now sees it as a prudent measure that essentially shielded him from a similar controversy.