By: Hal C Clarke

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has found himself entangled in a federal probe concerning his campaign finances, with a focus on the construction firm KSK Construction Group at its epicenter. Adams, while denying any prior knowledge of KSK, admitted that he had been in contact with his fundraiser, Briana Suggs, whose home was searched by FBI agents as part of the ongoing investigation.

In an interview with PIX11’s Dan Mannarino, Mayor Adams was directly asked about his familiarity with KSK Construction Group, a Williamsburg, Brooklyn-based firm. He responded, “Not to my knowledge,” emphasizing that he was not acquainted with this organization and characterized it as one of the many groups that contributed to his campaign.

Simultaneously, Adams revealed that he had been in communication with Briana Suggs, his 25-year-old fundraiser, after her Crown Heights, Brooklyn residence was raided by the FBI. He stated, “I have communicated with her since this incident took place,” adding that she was in touch with the campaign’s attorney, and they would continue their communication.

Law enforcement sources have indicated that the federal investigation revolves around the potential illegal funneling of foreign funds from Turkey through KSK Construction Group into Adams’ campaign coffers in exchange for favors. Notably, as of the time of these events, no charges had been filed against KSK, the Turkish government, Adams, Suggs, or anyone else involved.

The alleged scheme centers on the use of straw donors, individuals or entities whose identities are illicitly employed to make contributions under their names, concealing the actual source of the funds. Campaign finance records show that 11 KSK employees all made donations to Adams’ campaign on the same day in 2021, for almost identical amounts. This includes a worker who has claimed not to recall making a listed donation of $1,250. In total, these donations amounted to nearly $14,000.

Mayor Adams, despite vehemently denying any wrongdoing, has sought to downplay the significance of the FBI raid. He expressed his “full confidence” in Suggs, a young political operative who had reportedly raised over $18 million for his campaign in 2021. Adams emphasized that his campaign would fully cooperate with the investigation, stating, “Where there’s smoke, there’s not always fire.”

The federal agents’ search at Suggs’ residence was executed to gather evidence related to potential collaboration between a construction firm and the Turkish government for the unlawful transmission of foreign funds into Adams’ campaign in return for favors. Despite these significant developments, no one had faced criminal charges at that point.

Adams initially reacted to the news of the FBI raid by abruptly canceling a series of meetings with White House officials. He was alerted by his team about the ongoing situation with his campaign staffer, prompting his swift return to New York City and subsequent withdrawal from high-priority meetings concerning the national migrant crisis. Adams expressed his commitment to full compliance with the investigation and expressed confidence in his campaign’s compliance team.

The federal probe into Adams’ campaign finances has generated significant attention and raised questions about the potential impact on his mayoral tenure and political future.