FBI probe into NYC mayor widens to include airline upgrades

The FBI’s corruption investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams expanded into his use of an airline, enlarging his legal troubles.

Adams has been the subject of an FBI corruption inquiry since last year, which resulted in his top aide’s apartment being raided in February. The agency is now investigating generous free air travel upgrades received by the mayor from Turkish Airlines, people familiar with the matter told the New York Times.

Adams’s open preference for Turkish Airlines, whose executives have connections with the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has drawn concern from the FBI. The agency seized his devices in connection with the investigation. Two of his allies, a staffer and a top donor, both had their residences raided by the FBI, in addition to his aide.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have obtained evidence that former airline executive Cenk Öcal helped arrange upgrades to Adams’s airfare, according to the New York Times.

The broader investigation into Adams’s ties with Turkey examines whether his mayoral campaign conspired with the Turkish government to funnel funds to boost the campaign. Another aspect is whether Adams pressured the city’s fire department to approve a possibly unsafe Turkish Consulate.

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Adams and his team have denied any improper action and have pointed out that he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

“As borough president, the mayor consistently disclosed his official travel to Turkey, did not receive any improper upgrades, and did nothing inappropriate in exchange for an upgrade,” Adams’s lawyer Brendan McGuire said. “Speculation is not evidence. We look forward to a just and timely conclusion to this investigation.”