Feds seize NYC Mayor Adams' phones as corruption probe intensifies: report

Mayor Eric Addams' electronic devices were confiscated by F.B.I. agents early this week as part of a corruption probe and over 2021 ties to Turkey, according to the New York Times.

The mayor and his security detail were approached for the gismos, hopping into his S.U.V. and recovered them while executing a warrant, according to the report.

The paper described at least two of the seized cellphones and an iPad belonging to the mayor were returned back to him a couple days later.

It is a remarkable move to search and and take into evidence the mayor's electronics, pitting federal investigators to work with local authorities and suggests the investigation focusing on campaign contributions is being pursued directly to the top.

Neither an Adams spokesperson nor his campaign commented on the seizure when reached by the Times.

Adams, a retired NYPD captain, said on Wednesday that he remains confident in his conduct and that he instructed staffers to “follow the law” that he can be almost “annoying”.

When asked about potential criminal exposure, he apparently laughed it off, according to the outlet.

“Although I am mayor, I have not stopped being a man and a human,” he said.

The report of the mayor being directly involved in a warrant for his devices comes days after the F.B.I. raided the home of Brianna Suggs, a campaign consultant and prominent fundraiser for the mayor.

"Investigators also sought to learn more about the potential involvement of a Brooklyn construction company with ties to Turkey, as well as a small university in Washington, D.C., that also has ties to the country and to Mr. Adams," reported the Times.

"According to the search warrant, investigators were also focused on whether the mayor’s campaign kicked back benefits to the construction company’s officials and employees, and to Turkish officials."