The FBI has seized two cell phones and a tablet from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, as part of an ongoing investigation into whether or not his campaign took illegal donations from the Turkish government in 2021.
FBI agents confronted Mayor Adams on the street on Monday evening and served him with a warrant for the devices, which he turned over.
"After learning of the federal investigation, it was discovered that an individual had recently acted improperly. In the spirit of transparency and cooperation, this behavior was immediately and proactively reported to investigators," Adams' campaign attorney Boyd Johnson said in a statement obtained by Fox News. "The Mayor has been and remains committed to cooperating in this matter. 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." Breaking. Top fundraiser for Eric Adams’ campaign is being investigated and has led to the FBI seizure of Eric Adam’s phones and iPad. Not looking good for New York’s mayor. pic.twitter.com/eZjfdJ9D9w
— SweetPeaBelle (@SweetPeaBell326) November 10, 2023
Additional devices were turned over to the agency by the mayor's office.
A source told ABC News that most of the devices have now been returned.
Adams pointed out that he is a former member of law enforcement, having retired from the New York City Police Department at the rank of captain.
"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," Adams said, according to the report.
Last week, the agency searched the home of Adams' campaign consultation Brianna Suggs. They seized a "manila folder labeled Eric Adams," seven "contribution card binders," papers, documents, three iPhones, and two laptops — among other evidence.
The investigation is seeking to determine if the campaign took the illegal Turkish funds by using a Brooklyn construction company as a conduit.
