In a recent development, Mayor Eric Adams has publicly condemned the leaks originating from federal authorities as an investigation continues regarding allegations of his involvement in pressuring senior fire department officials to expedite the opening of the Turkish government's new consulate building in Manhattan. The federal probe, which also focuses on potential illegal foreign donations received during Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign, has raised significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

Last week, federal investigators seized Mayor Adams' phones and iPad as part of their ongoing investigation into possible collusion between his campaign and the Turkish government to accept unlawful foreign contributions. It is important to note that foreign entities and individuals are prohibited by law from making campaign donations at any level of the government, be it local, state, or federal.

According to reports from The New York Times and New York Post, while serving as Brooklyn borough president, Adams is alleged to have asked the then-Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro to permit the Turkish government to occupy the consulate building, which had been previously closed due to safety concerns. The timing of his intervention, just weeks before officially assuming the position of mayor, has led to questions about the legality of his actions.

In response to the leaks and ongoing investigation, Mayor Adams expressed frustration, stating, "I was only carrying out my basic duties as the borough president, and I truly hope that these periodic leaks cease." His chief counsel at City Hall, Lisa Zornberg, issued a statement condemning the leaks, adding that they had been fully cooperating with investigators. Zornberg also emphasized the significance of preserving the integrity of the law enforcement process and requested appropriate reprimands for any federal officer found to have improperly leaked details about the probe.

In the wake of the FBI raid on the Brooklyn home of Adams' top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, the mayor has retained his own criminal defense attorney. Last Monday, FBI officials stopped him following an event at NYU and confiscated his phones, according to sources. The investigation is reportedly examining potential straw donations to Adams' campaign originating from the Turkish government.

Previously, THE CITY had reported on a number of connections between the Adams campaign and various Turkish entities, including KSK Construction, a Williamsburg-based company owned by Turkish nationals, whose donations had raised concerns with the city's Campaign Finance Board. Additionally, the campaign had accepted and subsequently returned $10,000 in donations linked to the small Turkish-owned Bay Atlantic University in Washington D.C.

The federal investigation follows the indictment of six individuals this summer by the Manhattan District Attorney for allegedly bundling illicit donations to the Adams campaign. Two of the defendants have already pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to a straw donor scheme, while the remaining four await prosecution.

The Turkish Consulate General, an imposing 35-story building located on First Avenue near the United Nations, opened in 2021 with a temporary certificate of occupancy after Mayor Adams reportedly reached out to the former fire commissioner. Department of Buildings records reveal two open building violations dating back to July 22, 2021, pertaining to issues with the exterior facade and broken glass on the 17th floor. Over the years, the address has been associated with 38 violations, including complaints about black mold and unauthorized construction work.

As the investigation into the Turkish donors continues to heat up, the focus remains on unveiling the extent of any potential wrongdoing and ensuring the transparency and integrity of the democracy that underpins New York City's political system.