New York City Mayor's Office Denounces Alleged Leaks in Federal Corruption Probe
ICARO Media Group
In a response to reports by The New York Times, the office of New York City Mayor Eric Adams has strongly criticized any Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employee who may have leaked details of a federal corruption probe targeting the mayor. The investigation centers around allegations that Adams improperly pressured New York Fire Department officials to approve the opening of a Manhattan skyscraper for the Turkish consulate, despite safety concerns regarding the building.
City Hall's Chief Counsel, Lisa Zornberg, provided a statement to Fox News Digital, stating that the mayor and his team are cooperating with investigators. Zornberg expressed hope that investigators would also cooperate and take action against any federal officer found to have improperly leaked information about the ongoing investigation. She emphasized that such conduct could potentially prejudice the public and undermine the integrity of the law enforcement process.
The Times reports that Adams' intervention occurred in the summer of 2021, after he won the Democratic mayoral primary but prior to the November general election. At that time, he was serving as Brooklyn borough president, with no jurisdiction over Manhattan. The FBI has reportedly been questioning New York Fire Department officials since last spring.
As of now, federal law enforcement and prosecutors have not publicly disclosed the specific focus of the corruption probe. However, an FBI search warrant for the residence of Adams' top campaign fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, reportedly revealed an investigation into potential illegal funneling of foreign money into the mayor's campaign, allegedly in coordination with the Turkish government, including its consulate general in New York.
On Friday, Adams' attorney, Boyd Johnson, confirmed that FBI agents had seized the mayor's phones and an iPad as part of their investigation into campaign fundraising. The seizure took place while Adams was leaving a public event in Manhattan on Monday night. Johnson stressed that Adams has not been accused of any wrongdoing and remains fully cooperative with the ongoing investigation.
The FBI has declined to comment on the Times' report. In a statement issued through his campaign, Mayor Adams reiterated that, as a borough president, it was part of his routine role to notify government agencies about constituents' concerns. He stated that he has not been accused of any wrongdoing and reaffirmed his commitment to cooperating with investigators.
As the investigation unfolds, further details regarding the corruption probe and any potential implications for Mayor Adams are yet to be disclosed. The mayor's office remains focused on cooperating with authorities to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
Overall, the allegations surrounding Mayor Eric Adams and the federal corruption probe have sparked intense scrutiny and raised questions about political fundraising practices and potential misconduct within New York City government. The ongoing investigation will undoubtedly have significant implications for the city's political landscape.