New York Mayor Adams charged in Turkey bribery, fraud scheme

New York City Mayor Eric Adam talks to the members of the media at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor, Sept 26, in New York. [AP]

US prosecutors on Thursday charged New York City Mayor Eric Adams with accepting illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel from Turkish nationals seeking to influence him, capping an investigation that has sent the largest US city's government into turmoil.

In a 57-page indictment, prosecutors laid out an alleged scheme stretching back to 2014 that helped to underwrite Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign and showered him with free rooms at opulent hotels and meals at high-end restaurants.

In return, Adams pressured city officials to allow the country's new 36-story consulate to open despite safety concerns, prosecutors said.

The Democrat faces five criminal charges and could face decades in prison if found guilty.

Adams, 64, denied wrongdoing and said he would fight the charges in court. He said he would not step down.

"I will continue to do my...

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