New York Mayor Eric Adams has been charged by federal authorities for allegedly accepting illegal donations and perks from a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen and providing favorable treatment in return.

The indictment follows months of investigation by federal prosecutors, who also investigated many of Adams’ current and former associates, including Schools Chancellor David Banks and Police Chief Edward Caban, who recently resigned after their phones were seized. Others close to Adams — including the former head of the Buildings Department and a former police inspector — have also faced their own scandals and indictments.

Adams has denied breaking the law, saying in a video statement Wednesday: “I am innocent and I will fight this with all my strength and spirit.”

Adams’ indictment, made public Thursday, alleges five federal corruption charges. The indictment makes Adams the first sitting New York City mayor ever to be indicted, and is likely to have a significant effect on the upcoming 2025 mayoral race, in which he was expected to participate.

Adams was first elected mayor in 2021 and previously served as Brooklyn borough president, senator and New York City police officer. He is known for his aggressive efforts to strengthen policing and fight crime as mayor, as well as the bombastic comments he has made about migrants and crazy talk about governance. Now his tenure as a public servant could be coming to an end.

Below is an overview of what we know about the charges and their implications.

The charges relate to Adams’ mayoral campaigns. They allege that he knowingly accepted illegal donations facilitated by a Turkish government official and accepted favors – such as luxury plane tickets – as part of a quid pro quo relationship with the country. Together they paint a picture of a foreign government official who has cultivated a prominent American politician for years. The costs are:

Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Solicit Foreign Contributions, and Accept Bribes (1 count): Adams is accused of setting up an illegal system to accept foreign donations as part of his mayoral campaigns, of accepting multiple plane tickets and luxury travel benefits from a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen, and of helping to bypass a Turkish consulate building in New York City. regulatory requirements in return.

Wired Fraud (1 count): Certain campaign donations in New York City can be matched with public funds to encourage candidates to seek small-dollar donations. The indictment alleges that Adams fraudulently solicited matching funds for donations that he knew came from “straw donors,” or donors used to funnel money from another source. He is accused of using straw donors in both his 2021 and 2025 campaigns, thereby raising $10 million in public matching funds.

Requesting a contribution by a foreigner (2 counts): U.S. political candidates are prohibited from accepting donations from foreign citizens, something Adams is accused of knowingly doing by accepting money from Turkish nationals.

Bribery (1 count): This charge also relates to Adams’ alleged exchange of certain travel benefits, such as expensive airline tickets, for relaxing the regulatory requirements facing a new Turkish consulate building. The building had yet to undergo a fire safety survey ahead of a visit by the Turkish president, and Adams reportedly pressured a fire brigade official to obtain expedited approval. The benefits he received were estimated to be around $100,000.

Nearly two dozen people are involved in open investigations and lawsuits against Adams and his allies, not all of which are related to corruption.

These investigations include investigations into the campaign’s ties to six different countries, as well as racketeering and bribery allegations related to a consulting firm run by the sibling of Adams administration officials. Adams and one of his advisers are also facing allegations of sexual misconduct.

So far, two powerful people with ties to Adams have also been charged:

Other officials, including former Police Chief Caban, Schools Chancellor Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright have yet to be charged, but their phones have been seized. Adams’ former chief fundraiser Brianna Suggs, senior adviser Winnie Greco, interim Police Chief Thomas Donlon and a furloughed aide Rana Abbasova also had their homes searched.

Adams does not have to resign because of the charges, experts tell news channel The City.

However, there are ways to potentially force his removal. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has the ability to first suspend and then remove him from office, though it is a power the state executive has rarely used.

New York City officials could also create a panel known as an “inability committee,” which would then give a group of city council members the power to vote on whether Adams can’t do his job. If two-thirds agreed with that assessment, he would have to leave his post.

If Adams leaves, attorney Jumaane Williams would serve as acting mayor, and a special election for the position would have to be held within 80 days of Adams’ departure.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is among the national lawmakers who have urged Adams to resign. She first did so prior to his indictment, in light of the ongoing investigation into other members of his government.

“Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. “For the sake of the city, he must resign.”

Others who have joined the choir include several members of the New York City Council, such as Tiffany Cabán, Lincoln Restler and Chris Banks.

Adams would win re-election the next year, although widespread dissatisfaction with his tenure had prompted several others to join the fight.

Even before the indictment, the race was expected to be a full-on contest, featuring current City Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, State Sen. Zellnor Myrie and State Sen. Jessica Ramos.

Adams is also in the race and does not have to step aside because of his charges. Before his recent legal troubles, however, he was not a popular figure – and if he chooses to stay in office and stay in the race, he will likely find the fight an uphill battle.