Feds Seize NYC Mayor’s Phones as Corruption Investigation Heats Up

Nikki McCann Ramirez
·2-min read

The FBI seized the electronic devices of New York City Mayor Eric Adams days after raiding the home of his chief fundraiser in connection to an investigation into allegations that his campaign laundered illegal donations from the Turkish government into their accounts.

According to a report from The New York Times, federal authorities approached the mayor on the street with a search warrant and had him turn over at least two cell phones and an iPad. The devices were reportedly returned to Adams several days later, after being copied by authorities.

On Friday, Boyd Johnson, an attorney for Adams’ campaign, confirmed the seizure of the electronics in a joint statement with the mayor. “On Monday night, the FBI approached the mayor after an event. The Mayor immediately complied with the FBI’s request and provided them with electronic devices. The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation,” Johnson wrote.

Adams himself added that “as a former member of law enforcement, I expect all members of my staff to follow the law and fully cooperate with any sort of investigation — and I will continue to do exactly that. I have nothing to hide.”

On November 2, the FBI raided the home of Brianna Suggs, a campaign consultant to Adams and of the central figures in the mayor’s campaign fundraising operation. Officers reportedly seized three cell phones, two laptop computers, a “manila folder labeled Eric Adams,” as well as other documents and materials found at the property.

Investigators are looking into allegations that Adams’ campaign funneled money from the Turkish government through a straw-donor scheme, as well as the campaign’s connections to KSK Construction, a Brooklyn-based company owned by Turkish nationals.

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