Federal Probe Intensifies: FBI Seizes NYC Mayor Eric Adams' Devices
In a significant development in a federal investigation, the FBI has confiscated New York City Mayor Eric Adams' cell phones and iPad. This action is part of an ongoing inquiry into allegations of illegal campaign fundraising practices.
Earlier this week, FBI agents executed a court-authorized search warrant to seize these devices, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. This move marks a notable intensification in the investigation into possible illicit foreign contributions to Adams' campaign. The probe, conducted by the FBI and the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, has not yet led to any charges against Mayor Adams.
The seizure follows a recent FBI raid on the home of Adams' chief fundraiser, linked to suspicions that Adams' 2021 campaign might have conspired with a Brooklyn construction firm to illicitly channel foreign funds, particularly from Turkey, into his campaign.
Reported first by The New York Times, the procurement of a search warrant for Adams' electronic devices suggests that prosecutors have convinced a judge of probable cause that evidence of a crime exists on these devices.
Responding to these developments, Mayor Adams, a Democrat and former law enforcement officer, expressed his expectation for law-abiding conduct from his staff and his commitment to full cooperation with any investigation. He reiterated his stance of having nothing to hide.
Both the US Attorney’s Office and the FBI have declined to comment on this matter.
Adams’ campaign attorney and spokesperson, Boyd Johnson, stated that the mayor promptly complied with the FBI's request and surrendered his electronic devices following an FBI approach post-event on Monday night.
Johnson highlighted that upon discovery of improper actions by an individual linked to the federal investigation, the mayor's team promptly reported this to the investigators, emphasizing transparency and cooperation.
According to sources close to the mayor, following a speech at New York University's Kimmel Center, FBI agents approached Adams, asked his NYPD security to step aside, and presented a warrant in his city-issued SUV, leading to the surrender of his iPad and two phones.
Following the FBI's November 2 raid on his top fundraiser's residence, Adams ordered a review of campaign records, which unearthed evidence of misconduct by an individual connected to the campaign. The specifics of this individual's identity or role remain undisclosed.
The lawyers informed investigators about these findings, which seemingly contributed to the warrant for Adams' devices. The mayor also reviewed additional electronics at his home, intending to turn these over to authorities as well, described as "old phones" by sources.
This series of events underscores the heightened scrutiny and legal challenges facing Mayor Eric Adams amidst the ongoing federal investigation into his campaign's fundraising activities.