New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted as part of a federal corruption investigation, marking a historic moment as the first sitting NYC mayor to be charged with a crime. According to a report from The New York Times on Sept. 25, the indictment is currently sealed, and the specific charges remain unclear. Adams is expected to appear in court on Sept. 26, when the charges will be made public.
Adams Vows to Fight Back
In a statement to The New York Post, Adams maintained his innocence, emphasizing his determination to clear his name.
“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers, I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams stated. “If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.” He also made it clear that, despite the charges, he has no intention of stepping down from his position as mayor. This comes amid growing pressure from lawmakers, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for his resignation.
Pro-Crypto Mayor and His Advocacy
Eric Adams has been a well-known advocate of cryptocurrency. Upon his election in 2021, he pledged to transform New York City into a hub for the cryptocurrency industry. True to his word, Adams took his first three paychecks in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), signaling his commitment to the digital currency movement. His stance on cryptocurrency remained firm even after the collapse of FTX in November 2022, which triggered a market crash, sending crypto prices plummeting.
However, during his tenure, the New York state government passed a law imposing a two-year ban on proof-of-work mining using non-renewable energy. Adams publicly opposed the legislation but was unsuccessful in preventing its passage.
Corruption Allegations
The federal investigation into Adams’ conduct centers around events that took place in 2021. In November 2023, the FBI raided the home of Brianna Suggs, Adams’ chief fundraiser, and seized Adams’ personal electronic devices. The investigation seeks to uncover whether Adams received illegal donations from the Turkish government during his 2021 campaign.
Another key focus of the probe is Adams’ potential involvement in pressuring the New York City Fire Department to approve a high-rise consulate building for Turkish officials, despite concerns over its safety. There are also questions regarding whether Adams accepted luxurious flights from Turkish Airlines, a carrier partially owned by the Turkish government.
As the indictment becomes public, more details about the charges and the potential fallout will likely emerge, but for now, Adams remains steadfast in his defense and his role as mayor.
