Timeline of Searches, Subpoenas, and Seizures Concerning NYC’s Mayor

On the night Eric Adams was elected as the 110th mayor of New York City, he made a vow to address the needs of those whom he felt the city had failed. “This city betrayed New Yorkers every day, especially the ones who rely on it the most. My fellow New Yorkers, that betrayal stops on January 1,” he stated back in November 2021.

Since taking office, however, Adams has faced significant scrutiny. Federal authorities are currently investigating potential corruption at City Hall, issuing subpoenas to Adams and several members of his close circle.

In a recent turn of events, New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned just one week after reports emerged that the FBI had seized his cell phone as part of this ongoing investigation. Caban mentioned that the “noise around recent developments” made it challenging for him to concentrate on the NYPD’s important work. He expressed his intention to continue cooperating fully with the federal investigation.

Commissioner Caban’s family has ties to the nightlife industry. His brother, Richard Caban, previously owned a restaurant in the Bronx called Con Sofrito, which has since closed. Further emphasizing the family’s connections, Edward Caban’s twin brother, James, is a former NYPD sergeant who owned an apartment building in the Bronx that housed a bar on its first floor.

While Adams has firmly denied any wrongdoing, he has not been charged with any crimes related to the investigations. The specific details of the inquiries have remained largely under wraps, as federal authorities have not commented on the matters at hand.

In an interview with CBS New York on September 5, Adams reiterated the importance of following rules and cooperating with investigations. “We follow the rules. We make sure that we cooperate and turn over any information that is needed,” he explained, emphasizing that it would be inappropriate to interfere with the ongoing review process.

Despite the serious nature of the investigations, none of Adams’s aides, who have received subpoenas or had their electronic devices confiscated, have been charged with any crimes as of yet.

A timeline detailing the various subpoenas, searches, and seizures reveals the ongoing turmoil surrounding Adams and his administration. On November 2, 2023, FBI agents executed searches at the home of Brianna Suggs, a top campaign consultant for Adams, as well as at the New Jersey residence of Rana Abbasova, who serves as the mayor’s international affairs aide. This same day, Adams abruptly cut short his trip to Washington, D.C., where he was scheduled to meet with White House officials, to address these developments. The investigation reportedly centers around KSK Construction Group, a company based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which donated approximately $14,000 to Adams’s campaign in 2021.

On November 6, 2023, the FBI took possession of Adams’s electronic devices, including an iPad and a cell phone. Investigators were reportedly looking into whether the mayor received illegal foreign donations linked to the construction company.

By November 15, Adams had launched a legal defense fund aimed at managing expenses related to the investigations. In a statement made by his longstanding campaign compliance lawyer on January 15, 2024, it was reported that the legal defense fund had already raised $650,000 within a short timeframe.

Additional investigations continued throughout early 2024, with FBI searches taking place at the homes of various aides, indicating a deepening inquiry into campaign finances and potentially questionable donations.

Recent months saw further developments as federal prosecutors issued grand jury subpoenas regarding claims that Adams’s campaign sought illegal donations from Turkey. These allegations suggest a connection between foreign financial support and pressure on the fire department to expedite inspections of the new Turkish consulate in New York City.

In September 2024, two high-ranking NYPD officials, including Commissioner Caban, were subpoenaed by federal investigators as part of this ongoing inquiry. Following this, Caban faced significant pressure and ultimately resigned on September 12, 2024. His attorneys confirmed that he was not a target of the investigation but stated that the recent developments impeded his ability to effectively lead the department.

Upon accepting Caban’s resignation, Adams appointed Tom Donlon, a former FBI agent and New York Homeland Security Director, as interim commissioner. Adams praised Caban’s dedication to the city during his tenure and expressed his commitment to addressing the challenges ahead.

As the investigations continue to unfold, both the mayor’s office and the NYPD face a period of uncertainty and scrutiny.

Source: ABC News