Investigation into Eric Adams' alleged campaign finance violations and witness tampering

In a court hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten indicated that a superseding indictment against Adams is “possible” and that additional defendants are likely to be charged. Adams has pleaded not guilty to accusations of engaging in a conspiracy to accept illegal donations, with the investigation beginning in the summer of 2021. Evidence presented includes communications suggesting that Adams attempted to misrepresent payments for flights and allegedly sought to interfere with witnesses involved in the investigation. Compounding the situation, Mohamed Bahi, a former aide to Adams, has been charged with witness tampering and obstruction of justice, marking the first charge against someone other than the mayor in this ongoing investigation.

Key Allegations Against Eric Adams

• Illegal Foreign Contributions: Adams is accused of conspiring to accept campaign contributions from foreign nationals, particularly Turkish nationals, while disguising these payments through U.S. citizens.
• Bribery and Misrepresentation: Prosecutors allege that Adams created a false narrative regarding his payment for flights, which they characterize as a bribe.
• Witness Tampering: Evidence has emerged suggesting that Adams attempted to influence witnesses to not tell the truth during the investigation, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the inquiry.

Developments in the Investigation

• Charges Against Aide: Mohamed Bahi, a former senior aide, has been charged with witness tampering and obstruction of justice, further complicating the mayor’s situation. Bahi reportedly deleted evidence and instructed others to lie to federal agents.
• Prosecutorial Intent: Prosecutors have indicated they are pursuing multiple related investigations, suggesting that the scope of the inquiry could expand and lead to more charges against Adams and potential additional defendants.

Next Steps

Adams’ defense team is pushing for a swift resolution to the case, with a proposed trial date in March 2025 to allow the mayor to maintain his candidacy for reelection. Despite the mounting allegations and public scrutiny, Adams continues to assert his innocence and his ability to govern effectively while the legal proceedings unfold.