In a ongoing investigation, federal authorities are examining whether the Turkish government received any benefits from donations made to Eric Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign, according to unnamed sources. The investigation focuses on an incident that occurred in September 2021, when Turkish officials allegedly sought assistance from then-candidate Adams in ensuring the timely opening of the Turkevi Center, the new home of the Turkish Consulate in New York City.

At that time, Adams had won the Democratic primary but had not yet been elected mayor. The Turkevi Center was awaiting a temporary certificate of occupancy from the fire department prior to its scheduled grand opening later that month. Sources claim that Adams received a text message from a Turkish government official, asking if he knew then-FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro. Adams allegedly reached out to Nigro regarding the matter, but it remains unclear whether he made any specific requests or directives.

Reportedly, Nigro responded to Adams' inquiry by assuring that the necessary approval would be granted in time for the Turkevi Center's planned opening on September 20. Turkish President Erdogan, who was in town for the United Nations General Assembly, presided over the ceremony.

Eric Adams, now serving as mayor, addressed the matter in a statement, characterizing his involvement as routine constituent services. He emphasized that he has not been accused of wrongdoing and pledged full cooperation with investigators.

Following recent developments, the FBI seized Mayor Adams' electronic devices, including two phones and an iPad, after an event last Monday. The purpose of the seizure was apparently to retrieve text message exchanges from September 2021. Adams confirmed the confiscation, stating that he expected full cooperation from his staff and affirmed his own commitment to follow the law.

Adams' campaign attorney, Boyd Johnson, stated that the mayor willingly handed over the devices after learning of an individual's improper actions. Johnson stressed Adams' innocence, highlighting that he has not been accused of any wrongdoing and is continuing to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

The seizure of the devices occurred shortly after federal agents searched the Brooklyn residence of Brianna Suggs, Adams' top campaign fundraiser. This search prompted the mayor to cancel a planned trip to meet with White House officials and return to New York. The investigation is currently examining KSK Construction, a Williamsburg company owned by Turkish immigrants, to determine if it was involved in unlawfully channeling Turkish funds into Adams' mayoral campaign.

Eric Adams expressed his outrage and anger over any potential manipulation of the campaign to defraud the democratic process, firmly stating that he had no knowledge or involvement in any improper fundraising activities or foreign money transfers. Notably, in July earlier this year, four individuals were charged with a scheme to raise money through straw donations for Adams' campaign, although the mayor himself was not implicated. Additionally, Eric Ulrich, Adams' former city buildings commissioner, was charged in September with using his position for personal benefit, but these cases did not directly implicate Adams or his campaign.

As the investigation unfolds, Mayor Adams maintains his commitment to cooperation with authorities, while also stressing his dedication to upholding the law and the integrity of his administration.

Title: Federal Authorities Probing Turkish Government's Alleged Gain from Eric Adams' Mayoral Campaign Donations