For the first time in the city's history, a was indicted Thursday - and , as well as stolen city funds, according to the unsealed indictment papers. Within a year of becoming Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams began building relationships with foreign nationals 'seeking influence with him,' according to the papers, first posted by the AP. He immediately began accepting 'straw contributions' that were matched by a government program.
Most overtly, Adams spent his time as Brooklyn borough president and mayor traveling to and from Turkey and other locations like Nice, France; Istanbul, Turkey; Columbo, Sri Lanka; and Beijing, China. He traveled with full luxuries all the way, from comped airline tickets, luxury cars, and - allegedly provided by Turkish officials in exchange for his cooperation, which . Adams has vehemently denied that he did anything wrong, insists he is innocent and asks all New Yorkers to wait to hear his defense.
The 57-page legal document lists multiple charges, all centering around Adams' alleged abuse of power - which the mayor denied at a press conference early this afternoon. Adams is accused of taking bribes from Turkish officials, stealing $10,000,000 in public funds, and engaging in an active cover-up. Adams currently refuses to step down, though some .
The indictment papers do not name the foreign nationals but refer to them as 'businessmen' 1-5 and refer to an individual arranging Adams' trips as the 'Airline Manager.' The following accusations .