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Brooklyn businessman to plead guilty in Adams campaign fraud case
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Charles Lane
Published Dec 23, 2024
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Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
Published Dec 23, 2024
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A Brooklyn real estate magnate accused of funneling illegal campaign contributions from the Turkish government to New York City Mayor Eric Adams plans to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge, according to a letter filed by federal prosecutors on Monday.
According to the letter, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York planned to file a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud against Erden Arkan in connection with making straw donations to Adams. The letter states Arkan intends to plead guilty, the first in Adams’ federal corruption case to do so.
Arkan is the owner of the real estate construction firm KSK, which was searched last year by federal investigators. He was one of several individuals implicated in a corruption indictment against Adams in September, identified as “Businessman-5” who organized a 2021 dinner where Adams personally solicited illegal campaign contributions, the indictment reads.
Gothamist reported that KSK and another Brooklyn construction company failed to disclose campaign donations made to Adams.
Adams was indicted in September on federal charges including bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy, allegedly using straw donations to obtain public funding under the city’s generous matching funds program. Adams was charged with accepting these straw donations along with luxury travel from a Turkish official and others hoping to buy influence for their benefit.
Adams pleaded not guilty and vowed to remain in office as he fights the charges. His lawyer told the Associated Press that the guilty plea will have no bearing on his case and that “Arkan repeatedly said that Mayor Adams had no knowledge of his actions.”
The indictment is one of several swirling around Adams. Last week, his former chief adviser was indicted on bribery charges by Manhattan prosecutors.
Information for Arkan’s lawyer was not immediately available.
Tagged
new york city
Adams investigations
Politics
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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