The travel benefits Eric Adam allegedly accepted: court documents

Prosecutors allege that New York Mayor Eric Adams solicited foreign businessmen for travel.
Adams faces five criminal charges related to a federal corruption investigation.
Here are all the luxury travel benefits prosecutors say Adams accepted.

A grand jury this week indicted New York Mayor Eric Adams on five felony counts related to a federal corruption investigation.

Federal prosecutors on Thursday unveiled a 57-page indictment against Adams, the first sitting New York mayor to be charged while in office. Officials allege the Democratic politician solicited $100,000 in luxury trips from foreign businessmen, including a Turkish official who spent nearly a decade trying to “gain influence” with Adams.

Prosecutors alleged that Adams repaid the favors by approving paperwork for the Turkish House, a Manhattan skyscraper that houses the Turkish consulate. Brooklyn’s then-Borough President also agreed to refrain from commenting on the Armenian genocide, prosecutors alleged in the indictment.

During a defiant press conference on Thursday, Adams denied the charges against him and vowed to continue his role as mayor, rebuking calls for his resignation.

He is expected to be arraigned Friday, according to court records. If convicted, he could face up to 45 years in prison.

Adams faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery and to receive campaign contributions from foreign nationals; one count of wire fraud; one count of bribery; and two counts of solicitation of contribution by an alien.

“These upgrades and freebies were not part of any frequent flyer or loyalty program available to the general public,” Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, said at a news conference on Thursday. “As we allege, this was a multi-year scheme to buy favor with a single New York politician on the rise.”

As a city official, Adams should have disclosed the gifts and travel benefits, Williams said.

These are the travel benefits and luxury perks that Adams has been asking for since 2016.

Flight to India via Turkey

In 2016, Adams flew from New York to India via Turkey and received two free round-trip upgrades for business class seats, prosecutors allege. Business is the highest class at Turkey’s national airline, Williams said.

The benefits were worth more than $12,000, according to the indictment. Adams did not disclose the benefits, prosecutors said.

Flights to France, Turkey and China

According to the indictment, in 2017 Adams accepted free business class tickets for himself and traveling companions to France, Turkey and China. While in Istanbul, Adams was housed in the Bentley Suite at the St. Regis Hotel, Williams said.

These benefits were worth more than $41,000, prosecutors alleged in the indictment. Prosecutors say Adams did not make them public.

Flight to China via Turkey

Prosecutors allege Adams flew to China via Turkey in 2017. During the trip, he accepted two complimentary business class tickets for himself and a companion worth more than $16,000, according to the indictment.

Adams did not disclose the benefits, prosecutors said.

Flight to Hungary via Turkey

In 2018, Adams flew to Hungary via Turkey and accepted two free round-trip business class seat upgrades worth more than $12,000, prosecutors allege.

Adams did not disclose the benefits, officials said.

Flight to and accommodation in Turkey

Prosecutors alleged in the indictment that Adams flew to Turkey in 2019 and accepted business class upgrades for himself and his companion, as well as a complimentary stay at the St. Regis Hotel in Istanbul. According to the indictment, Adams also enjoyed free meals, transportation and entertainment during his stay in Istanbul.

The travel benefits were worth more than $9,000 and Adams did not disclose them, prosecutors said.

Canceled trip to Turkey

In 2021, Adams requested and accepted a trip to Turkey worth more than $21,000 before canceling the trip at the last minute, prosecutors said.

The canceled benefits include two business class tickets to Istanbul, free or deeply discounted luxury hotel and resort stays, transportation, including a yacht, and tours and meals, Williams said at the news conference.

According to the complaint, Adams did not disclose the trip.

Flight to Ghana via Turkey

Prosecutors allege Adams flew to Ghana via Turkey in 2021 and accepted free business class ticket upgrades and other gifts during his stopover in Istanbul.

The benefits were worth more than $12,000, and none were disclosed, according to the indictment.