LIVE UPDATES
The mayor of New York, Eric Adams, has on Thursday been indicted on federal criminal offences, the U.S media outlets report.
This development became pertinent amid numerous enquiries regarding alleged malfeasance within his administration, as well as the resignation of top officials.
Adams was elected to lead the most populous city in the US, pledging to reduce crime rates.
However, he and several top officials in his administration are now under increasing scrutiny due to multiple federal corruption investigations.
The former Democratic police officer is currently the subject of at least four federal investigations, three of which are being conducted by the US District Court in Manhattan.
Adam stated in a video that, “I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became.
“I am innocent, and I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and spirit," he added.
Federal prosecutors are expected to unveil the indictment on Thursday when Adams will appear in court for the first time, CBS News reported.
The charges, which were announced less than a year after federal agents confiscated Adams’ electronic devices and conducted a search of the residence of Brianna Suggs, his principal fundraiser, are accompanied by grave allegations.
It has been disclosed that the US attorney’s office in Manhattan is currently investigating the possibility that Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign team had collaborated with the Turkish government to funnel illicit donations into the campaign.
Adams, an ex-captain of the NYPD, assumed office in January 2022, as the fresh representative of the Democratic Party.
He pledged a stringent stance on crime and dedicated efforts to rejuvenate the city following the COVID-19 pandemic.
