Federal prosecutors have expanded their probe into the Adams administration, demanding records of communications between City Hall and officials from five foreign countries.
The sweeping requests were part of a July slate of subpoenas issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, marking a significant broadening of an ongoing investigation that previously focused on campaign donations tied to Turkey.
The subpoenas seek details on all interactions between Adams administration officials and representatives from Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. This marks the first public glimpse into one of the federal investigations that have centered around Adams and his allies since the FBI raided the home of his top campaign fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, last November.
It remains unclear why these five countries were included in the subpoena requests, but it follows reports of foreign travel by administration officials. Former Police Commissioner Edward Caban reportedly made two trips to Qatar funded by the foreign government, while Adams himself visited Israel last year on a trip sponsored by the UJA-Federation of New York. There is no confirmation yet as to whether these trips are connected to the ongoing investigation.
The subpoenas also target donations made to Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign, specifically those linked to Turkey. Sources said the investigation is examining potentially improper donations, as well as perks like airline upgrades and the expedited opening of Turkey’s new diplomatic headquarters in Manhattan.
The investigation, which has been active since 2021, remains shrouded in mystery, with no official charges filed against Adams or his associates. Despite the pressure, Adams has maintained his innocence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has declined to comment on the matter.
