Turkish businessman sentenced to probation and fines for illegally funding Mayor Adams’ campaign.

Erden Arkan, a Brooklyn construction executive and owner of KSK Construction, was sentenced to one year of probation and required to pay over ,000 in fines on Friday. His sentencing follows a guilty plea related to illicit straw donations made to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign. This case has raised serious questions about political funding and allegations of foreign influence linked to the Turkish government.

While the criminal case against Adams has concluded, Arkan’s cooperation with the city’s Campaign Finance Board (CFB) in an ongoing investigation into potential campaign finance violations persisted. The hearing in Manhattan Federal Court revealed that Arkan has been assisting with inquiries into alleged straw donor schemes associated with Adams’ campaigns for both 2021 and 2025.

Arkan, a 76-year-old Turkish national, became emotional during the proceedings, expressing regret for his actions and their impact on taxpayers. His financial penalties include a fine of ,500 and an additional ,000 in restitution to the Campaign Finance Board.

The indictment presented against Arkan detailed his involvement in a fundraiser conducted in May 2021, which attracted ,000 in contributions from eleven individuals. These funds, submitted by Adams’ team for public matching, effectively yielded an additional ,000 in taxpayer money. Prosecutors contend that these donations were unlawful because Arkan reimbursed his employees for their contributions, violating federal and local laws. Additionally, they alleged that these donations were made “at the behest” of Reyhan Ozgur, the Turkish government’s former consul general in New York City.

The fallout from this case extends to Adams himself, who was previously indicted on corruption charges that have since been dismissed. The allegations suggested that Adams’ campaign accepted illegal donations in return for political favors, including assistance with building permits. However, a controversial decision by the Trump administration resulted in the termination of Adams’ indictment without addressing the substantive issues.

During Friday’s hearing, Arkan’s defense attorney raised concerns about the selective prosecution involved, suggesting that the decision to move forward with Arkan’s case while dismissing Adams’ was inconsistent. Judge Dale Ho acknowledged the discrepancies between the cases but maintained that Arkan’s actions had betrayed public trust.

In a recent statement, Joseph Gallagher, general counsel for the Campaign Finance Board, emphasized the seriousness of Arkan’s offenses, which undermined the integrity of the public matching funds program. He noted that Arkan is cooperating with the Board’s investigation involving the mayor’s campaigns.

As the CFB continues its scrutiny, it has denied Adams millions of dollars in public matching funds for his current reelection efforts. This decision indicates an ongoing belief within the Board that legal violations have occurred, notwithstanding the dismissal of Adams’ federal case. Adams continues to contest these denials, asserting that he has committed no wrongdoing.

Arkan’s sentencing marks the first penal outcome related to the broader investigation surrounding the mayor’s campaign finances. Additionally, former Adams administration official Mohamed Bahi recently pleaded guilty to similar offenses regarding illegal contributions, further complicating the mayor’s political landscape as he seeks reelection.

As investigations unfold, the implications of these developments will likely sprawl beyond individual accountability, potentially influencing public trust and the integrity of New York City’s campaign finance system.

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