FBI investigating NYC mayor’s frequent free upgrades when flying Turkish Airlines: report

05 April 2024

New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) has been fending off mounting allegations of corruption in regard to his dealings with Turkey since November. Now, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is probing the mayor's campaign regarding alleged free flight upgrades from the airline partially owned by the Turkish government.

The New York Times reported Friday that the FBI is reportedly looking into Adams' flight upgrades as part of its broader investigation into whether the Turkish government funneled foreign money into the mayor's campaign war chest. The bureau is also looking into any possible foreign influence on the Adams administration's alleged pressure campaign on the Fire Department of New York to sign off on the Turkish consulate's plans to construct a high-rise building in Manhattan in defiance of safety concerns.

Adams is accused of receiving numerous upgrades to flights on Turkish Airlines to its highest available accommodation, with tickets at that level costing approximately $3,400 per passenger, each way. Adams has said that Turkish Airlines — of which 50% is owned by the Turkish government's sovereign wealth fund — is his preferred method of flying. Those upgrades were reportedly granted on trips both when Adams was borough president of Brooklyn and after he was elected mayor of America's largest city.

In a statement, Adams' attorney, Brendan McGuire, insisted the mayor did not engage in any wrongdoing and that he has been fully transparent in campaign finance reports.

"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,” McGuire stated. “Speculation is not evidence. We look forward to a just and timely conclusion to this investigation."

Aside from Adams, investigators are also looking to the mayor's close associates and those in his inner circle. However, the Times reported that the mayor's relationship with the airline "has extended beyond that of simply being a passenger," reportedly attending several meetings with company representatives.

"Some of those interactions took place in the presence of Turkish business leaders and diplomats with their own close ties to Turkey’s government and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan," the Times reported.

The news of the FBI's probe into Adams' airline ticket upgrades comes roughly a month after the FBI raided two homes owned by Winnie Greco, who is an aide that helped the mayor raise money for his 2021 campaign. Greco, who is Adams' director of Asian affairs, has been placed on leave after authorities had to call an ambulance for her during the raid. She will reportedly be placed on unpaid leave after using up her sick days.

In 2023, Adams' top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, also had her home raided by the FBI as part of its investigation into alleged corruption. As of April, the DOJ has not announced any charges filed against Adams or any of his aides.

"I am not worried. I've lived by one rule that I share with everyone. Follow the rules, follow the law. I did this my entire life as a law enforcement officer and I'm going to continue to do that," Adams told CBS.

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