The Federal Bureau of Investigations confiscated New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ two cell phones and his iPad this week in a federal corruption investigation into his 2021 campaign, according to The New York Times.
The FBI is reportedly investigating whether Eric Adams’ campaign conspired with the Turkish government and others to funnel donations into the NYC Mayor’s campaign. Agents approached Mayor Adams on the street and asked his security detail to stand back, according to the report. It’s unclear if this surprise seizure was directly tied to the FBI’s investigation.
Adams is reportedly suspected of campaign finance law violations, and the FBI is looking into whether Adams or any of his campaign members provided any benefit to Turkey in exchange for the donations.
The devices confiscated by the FBI were returned within a few days, according to the report.
Lawyers representing the NYC Mayor said Adams, a former member of law enforcement, is committed to cooperating on the matter and “has not been accused of any wrongdoing.”
“After learning of the federal investigation, it was discovered that an individual had recently acted improperly. In the spirit of transparency and cooperation, this behavior was immediately and proactively reported to investigators,” said Campaign Attorney Boyd Johnson.
Adams says he expects his staff to cooperate with any sort of investigation.
“I have nothing to hide,” Adams said.
The FBI did not immediately respond to Gizmodo’s request for comment.
On Nov. 2, the home of the NYC Mayor’s chief fund-raiser Brianna Suggs was raided by FBI agents as part of its investigation into Eric Adam’s 2021 election campaign. Upon hearing news of the raid on Suggs’ home, Mayor Adams promptly left Washington D.C., where he was slated to meet with White House and congressional leaders regarding the influx of migrants in New York City. Adams says his abrupt return was motivated by his desire to be present for his team.
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