Mayor Adams’ Turkey Trips Under Scrutiny in Federal Investigation

Federal investigators are examining Mayor Adams’ multiple trips to Turkey as part of their probe into his 2021 campaign and its connections to the country.

Mayor Adams’ travel to Turkey has become a focal point in the ongoing federal investigation into his 2021 campaign and its ties to the Middle Eastern nation. While the details of four of Adams’ trips to Turkey have been previously reported, a previously undisclosed fifth trip has emerged, raising questions about the nature of his visits and potential connections to the current probe. As investigators dig deeper, the mayor’s lack of transparency regarding the purpose of these trips has come under scrutiny. This article will explore the known details of Mayor Adams’ trips to Turkey and shed light on the investigation’s focus on these travels.

Adams’ First Trip to Turkey Raises Questions of Official Business

During his tenure as a state senator, Mayor Adams revealed that his first trip to Turkey occurred while he was part of a Senate delegation visiting Azerbaijan and Baku. However, it remains unclear whether this trip had an official purpose or who funded it. While Adams claims to have personally covered the expenses of all his travels, there is no record of this trip being reported on his financial disclosure forms from his time as a state senator. Additionally, Adams’ statement about attending a “Eurovision song contest” during a trip to Baku in 2012 suggests a recreational element to his travels.

Lack of Clarity Surrounding Adams’ Senate Trip

When asked to clarify the purpose of his first trip to Turkey, Mayor Adams described it as “personal” but mentioned a trip taken with Assembly members Steven Cymbrowitz and Alec Brook-Krasny that was government-funded. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether this trip was reported and suggested it may have been an oversight. The mayor has committed to reviewing Senate records to determine the details of this trip and make any necessary modifications.

Multiple Trips to Turkey During Adams’ Tenure as Brooklyn Borough President

Public records show that Mayor Adams traveled to Turkey twice in 2015 while serving as Brooklyn borough president. The purpose of these trips remains undisclosed. Adams has also publicly mentioned a trip to Turkey in 2017, which he described as a 21-day vacation with his son. Notably, there is no public record of Adams traveling to Turkey during his time as mayor. Questions regarding this travel have been redirected to the office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

Foreign Donations and Messages to FDNY Commissioner Add to Investigation

In addition to Mayor Adams’ travels, federal investigators are examining donations received by his 2021 campaign that may have ties to the Turkish government. Specifically, contributions from employees at KSK Construction, led by Turkish immigrant Erden Arkan, have caught the attention of investigators. Messages sent by Adams to former FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro on behalf of Turkey’s consul general in New York, Reyhan Özgür, are also under scrutiny. Özgür sought Adams’ assistance in resolving fire safety issues at the Turkish Consulate prior to a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Unanswered Questions Surrounding Adams’ Fifth Planned Trip

Mayor Adams’ fifth planned trip to Turkey, which has not been previously reported, was connected to his involvement with the Young Guru Academy and their development of “smart canes” for the blind. However, little information is available about this trip. A video from September 2018 shows Adams praising the group’s work and mentioning his upcoming travel to Turkey, but it remains unclear if the trip took place. The mayor’s press team has declined to provide further details about this trip or other aspects of Adams’ travel to Turkey.

Conclusion:

As federal investigators delve into Mayor Adams’ 2021 campaign and its connections to Turkey, his multiple trips to the country have become a significant point of interest. The lack of clarity surrounding the purpose of these trips and potential ties to the ongoing probe raises questions about transparency and accountability. While Adams has maintained that he personally funded his travels, the investigation’s focus on donations and messages related to Turkey suggests a broader examination of potential foreign influence. As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits further information to shed light on the nature of these trips and their implications for the mayor’s political career.