The FBI is investigating whether New York Mayor Eric Adams received free upgrades on Turkish Airlines as part of a wider corruption probe, with sources confirming that federal authorities are looking into whether he was upgraded to the most expensive seats available on international flights. The investigation includes whether donations to Turkey’s national airline were traded for political favors, such as alleged pressure on the New York Fire Department regarding a delay in the operating certificate for the new Turkish consulate. The probe is also exploring whether Adams’ 2021 campaign conspired with the Turkish government and others to funnel money into its coffers.
FBI agents approached Mayor Adams directly after a Manhattan event, seizing his electronic devices, including at least two cellphones and an iPad, as part of a search warrant. Additionally, the FBI searched the homes of Rana Abbasova, an aide to Adams at City Hall, and Cenk Öcal, a former Turkish Airlines executive who served on the mayor’s 2021 transition team. In response to the investigation, Brendan McGuire, special counsel for Mayor Adams, denied that Adams received any “improper upgrades” and stated that he did not engage in any “inappropriate” behavior in exchange for the alleged upgrades. McGuire emphasized that as Borough President, Adams consistently disclosed his official travels to Turkey and did not receive any improper upgrades.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Brendan McGuire highlighted that speculation is not evidence and expressed confidence in a just and timely conclusion to the investigation. The mayor’s team is maintaining that Adams did not engage in any misconduct regarding the alleged upgrades on Turkish Airlines. The FBI’s focus on the potential exchange of political favors for upgrades is part of a larger probe into potential corruption involving the mayor’s 2021 campaign and its connections to the Turkish government. Mayor Adams has faced criticism for his handling of the situation, particularly in light of the scrutiny surrounding the upgrades and their potential links to political favoritism.
The investigation into Mayor Adams’ alleged receipt of free upgrades on Turkish Airlines has raised questions about the potential misuse of political power and influence. The probe includes examining whether donations to Turkey’s national airline were used to secure upgrades on international flights and whether these alleged favors were reciprocated with political actions. Mayor Adams’ team has maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing in exchange for the upgrades. The FBI’s decision to approach the mayor directly and seize his electronic devices indicates the intensity of the investigation and the seriousness with which federal authorities are approaching the allegations of corruption.
The FBI’s search of Mayor Adams’ electronic devices and the homes of individuals connected to him, such as a city hall aide and a former Turkish Airlines executive, underscores the scope of the investigation. The scrutiny on potential political favoritism surrounding the upgrades in question highlights the challenges facing Mayor Adams and his administration. Despite the ongoing investigation and public attention on the matter, Mayor Adams and his team continue to maintain their innocence and assert that no improper conduct occurred related to the Turkish Airlines upgrades. The outcome of the FBI probe will likely have significant implications for the mayor’s reputation and political future, depending on the findings and any potential legal consequences that may arise.
The investigation into Mayor Eric Adams’ alleged receipt of free upgrades on Turkish Airlines is part of a broader corruption probe that is examining potential ties between political favors and donations to Turkey’s national airline. The FBI’s seizure of Mayor Adams’ electronic devices and the search of associated individuals’ homes suggest a deepening level of scrutiny and investigation into the matter. Mayor Adams’ team has denied any wrongdoing and emphasized that speculations do not equate to evidence. The investigation’s ongoing nature and the seriousness of the allegations highlight the challenges facing the mayor’s administration as they navigate the implications of the probe. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant consequences for Mayor Adams and his political future, depending on the findings and any legal actions that may follow.
