Federal Investigators Probe Mayor Adams’ Turkey Travel in Campaign Probe

Mayor Adams’ multiple trips to Turkey come under scrutiny in federal investigation

Federal investigators are examining the travel history of Mayor Adams, specifically his visits to Turkey, as part of their ongoing probe into his 2021 campaign and its connections to the country. While Adams has acknowledged traveling to Turkey on multiple occasions, he has provided limited details about the purpose of these trips. The investigation aims to shed light on the nature of these visits and their potential relevance to the broader investigation. This article explores the known details of Adams’ trips to Turkey and the questions surrounding them.

First Trip to Turkey Raises Questions of Official Business

Adams revealed that his first trip to Turkey occurred during his tenure as a state senator, as part of a Senate delegation visit to Azerbaijan and Baku. However, it remains unclear whether this trip involved any official business or who funded it. Adams claims to have personally covered the expenses of all his travels, and he has not been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to the ongoing federal probe. The lack of financial disclosure forms from his time as a state senator reporting this trip raises further questions about its nature.

Recreational Element and Government-Funded Trip

Another trip to Baku in 2012, attended by Adams to witness the Eurovision song contest, suggests a recreational element to his travels. Adams has mentioned a trip taken while he was in the Senate with Assembly members Steven Cymbrowitz and Alec Brook-Krasny, which he claims was government-funded. However, the details and purpose of this trip are yet to be clarified. Adams has expressed willingness to review Senate records and rectify any oversight in reporting this trip.

Multiple Trips during Brooklyn Borough Presidency

During his tenure as Brooklyn borough president, Adams traveled to Turkey twice in 2015. These trips are documented in his financial disclosure forms. Additionally, Adams has publicly acknowledged a trip to Turkey in 2017, during which he enjoyed a 21-day vacation with his son. There is no public record of Adams traveling to Turkey since becoming mayor. Requests for information regarding his travel abroad have been redirected to Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso’s office.

Donations and Messages Add to Investigation

The federal investigation also focuses on political contributions received by Adams’ 2021 campaign that potentially have ties to the Turkish government. Notably, donations from employees at KSK Construction, led by Turkish immigrant Erden Arkan, have attracted the attention of investigators. Furthermore, Adams’ messages to former FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro on behalf of Reyhan Özgür, Turkey’s consul general in New York, are being probed. Özgür sought Adams’ assistance in resolving fire safety issues at the Turkish Consulate before a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Unanswered Questions and Lack of Transparency

Despite being asked to provide information about all his travel to Turkey, Adams has yet to provide a comprehensive account. While some details of his trips have been reported, including the involvement of the Turkish consulate, Turkish Airlines, and Bahgesehir University in funding a trip in 2015, other aspects remain unknown. One planned trip in 2018, connected to Adams’ work with the Young Guru Academy and their “smart canes” for the blind, lacks substantial information. The grant used to purchase these canes and the involvement of the MTA in testing them remain unclear.

Conclusion:

Mayor Adams’ travel to Turkey has become a focal point of the federal investigation into his 2021 campaign. The purpose and funding of these trips, as well as their potential connection to the broader probe, are under scrutiny. While Adams has acknowledged his travels to Turkey, he has provided limited details, leaving unanswered questions about the nature of these trips. As the investigation unfolds, a clearer picture may emerge, shedding light on the significance of Adams’ connections to Turkey and their impact on his political career.