New York Mayor Eric Adams Under FBI Investigation for Alleged Campaign Money Funneling
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing an FBI investigation centered around his 2021 mayoral campaign. Law enforcement officials suspect that Adams’ campaign conspired with a construction company based in Brooklyn to funnel foreign money into the campaign coffers. The investigation is currently focused on determining if foreign nationals, who are prohibited from making contributions, “bundled” donations from New York’s Turkish-American communities.
The alleged scheme involved persuading US citizens of Turkish origin to act as “straw contributors,” thereby masking money from foreign business entities as donations from American citizens. CNN has contacted the State Department and the Turkish Embassy for their take on the matter.
Adams responded to the investigation during a press conference, emphasizing that he adheres to high standards of compliance with campaign rules and procedures. He also expressed confidence in his campaign team and city hall staffers to uphold these standards.
The FBI has conducted numerous search warrants in residences and businesses throughout New York City, including the home of Adams’ chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. Suggs plays a crucial role in Adams’ fundraising apparatus and has been instrumental in raising over $2.5 million for the Adams 2025 campaign.
Although Suggs has declined to provide a comment, Adams praised her as a professional who will fully cooperate with any inquiries. The FBI’s Public Corruption squad is leading the investigation, and multiple sources have confirmed that phones, computers, tablets, and files were seized during the search conducted at Suggs’ home.
One of the companies subject to the investigation is KSK Construction Group in Brooklyn, known for its construction and development projects across the city. KSK Construction Group is affiliated with the KiSKA Construction Corporation, which owns two US locations of a Turkish Hotel Chain.
Investigation of campaign finance records revealed that 11 employees from KSK Construction Group made donations totaling $13,950 to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign. These donations range from $1,200 to $1,500 and were all made on the same day. CNN has reached out to the donors for their comments.
Erden Arkan, listed as the owner of KSK Construction Group LLC., also made a $1,500 donation to the Adams campaign, according to New York City Campaign Finance records. CNN has contacted Arkan for a statement as well.
Vitto Pitta, Adams’ campaign counsel, reassured CNN that the campaign has always maintained the highest standards and will comply with any relevant inquiries. Pitta confirmed that the mayor himself has not been contacted as part of the investigation.
Adams returned to New York from Washington, DC, where he had been scheduled to discuss the migrant crisis with federal officials. The mayor had been informed of an issue related to his campaign and decided to prioritize addressing it. He plans to reschedule the meetings in DC at the earliest opportunity.
Previous reports have highlighted Adams’ close ties to New York City’s Turkish American community. As Brooklyn Borough President, he visited Turkey multiple times and signed a sister city agreement with Istanbul’s Üsküdar district. Adams’ mayoral campaign received a boost from Turkish American supporters who hosted a fundraiser for him in 2018.
This is an ongoing investigation, and further updates will be provided as new developments arise. CNN reporters Sabrina Shulman and Holmes Lybrand contributed to this report.
