Summary:

Brooklyn businessman identified as "Businessman-5" will plead guilty to conspiracy charges.
The plea relates to illegal campaign contributions made to Mayor Eric Adams.
The businessman, Erden Arkan, allegedly used straw donors and benefited from the city's matching funds program.
The investigation has led to multiple resignations within Adams' administration.
Mayor Adams maintains his innocence and is scheduled for trial in April.

NYC Mayor Adams' Ally to Plead Guilty in Campaign Finance Scandal

A Brooklyn businessman, identified as "Businessman-5" in the indictment against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, will plead guilty to a conspiracy charge related to illegal campaign contributions. This development significantly impacts the ongoing federal investigation into Mayor Adams.

The Key Player:

Erden Arkan, a prominent figure in New York's Turkish community and co-owner of KSK construction, is the businessman in question. Prosecutors allege Arkan engaged in wire fraud by funneling illegal campaign contributions through straw donors. These contributions were then amplified by the city's matching funds program.

The Allegations:

The indictment claims that Arkan made illegal campaign contributions to Mayor Adams, who allegedly solicited these funds. Subsequently, Arkan allegedly sought favors from Adams, including influencing the fire department to expedite the opening of a Turkish consulate.

The Fallout:

This plea deal follows a series of investigations and resignations within Mayor Adams' administration, including his police commissioner, schools chancellor, deputy mayors, and director of Asian affairs. Mayor Adams himself has pleaded not guilty to bribery and other charges and maintains his innocence, facing trial in April.

Source: NBC New York