A Brooklyn real estate tycoon accused of collaborating with a Turkish government official to channel illegal campaign contributions to New York City Mayor Eric Adams is preparing to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge, federal prosecutors announced Monday.
Erden Arkan, co-owner of a luxury condominium construction firm, is among several individuals implicated in the expansive corruption case against Adams unveiled in October. Arkan’s guilty plea will mark the first public admission of wrongdoing in the high-profile investigation.
According to court filings, Arkan is expected to plead guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors allege he collected campaign donations for Adams that were falsely attributed to individuals other than the true contributors. These funds were then allegedly used by Adams to improperly secure public financing through the city’s matching funds program, designed to amplify small-dollar donations.
Neither Arkan’s attorney nor his representatives have responded to requests for comment. Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, downplayed the development, stating, “This has no bearing on the Mayor’s case whatsoever,” and reiterating that Arkan reportedly told investigators the mayor was unaware of his actions.
Arkan, a prominent figure in New York’s Turkish community, co-owns KSK, a Brooklyn-based real estate firm specializing in high-end developments. His connection to Adams came under scrutiny in late 2023, when federal investigators searched his residence, as well as those of Adams’ chief fundraiser and Turkish community liaison.
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Adams faces accusations of accepting bribes, including luxury travel perks and illicit campaign contributions, from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals aiming to leverage his political influence. The mayor has pleaded not guilty, vowing to fight the charges while remaining in office.
The indictment outlines a 2021 fundraising dinner where Adams allegedly solicited illegal campaign donations from Arkan, referred to as “Businessman-5” in court documents. A month later, Arkan hosted a campaign event at KSK’s offices, where 11 employees contributed between $1,200 and $1,500 each. Prosecutors allege these were illegal straw donations reimbursed by Arkan’s company.
While initially denying the reimbursements to investigators, Arkan later admitted to discussing the fundraiser with the Turkish official. The indictment quotes Arkan expressing reservations about the scheme but justifying it to potential donors by saying, “This is how things work in this country.”
As Adams prepares for his April trial, he has pledged to fight the allegations “with every ounce of my strength and my spirit.” However, his administration continues to be marred by investigations and resignations, including those of top city officials and his former buildings commissioner, who faces separate bribery charges. Last week, his former advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin was charged with accepting bribes from developers, a case unrelated to Adams’ current legal battles. She has pleaded not guilty.
