NEW YORK — A prominent real estate developer from Brooklyn is set to admit guilt in a conspiracy charge related to illicit campaign contributions aimed at New York City Mayor Eric Adams, according to announcements made by federal prosecutors on Monday.
Erden Arkan, who owns a construction company, is among multiple individuals implicated in the extensive corruption case against Adams that surfaced in October. With his anticipated plea, he will be the first participant in this case to formally acknowledge wrongdoing in a public setting.
Legal filings indicate that Arkan intends to plead guilty to conspiracy related to wire fraud, specifically regarding the collection of campaign donations for Adams that were made under fictitious names, concealing the actual donor’s identity.
Prosecutors claim that Adams used these unlawful financial contributions to deceitfully access public funding through the city’s matching funds program, designed to incentivize small-dollar donations.
Arkan’s attorney has not responded to inquiries for comments at this time. On the other hand, Alex Spiro, representing Adams, has indicated in a written statement that this plea will have “no bearing on the Mayor’s case whatsoever.” He emphasized that interviews conducted by the government revealed Arkan consistently stated that Adams was unaware of his actions.
A notable figure within the Turkish community in New York, Arkan is a co-owner of KSK, a construction firm in Brooklyn that focuses on high-end condominiums. Connections between his company and Adams came to light in November 2023 when investigators executed searches at Arkan’s home and at the residence of Adams’ chief fundraiser, who is also connected with the Turkish community.
Adams faces allegations of taking bribes through luxury travel perks and unlawful campaign contributions from a Turkish official, along with other international figures aiming to leverage influence. He has maintained his innocence and is committed to remaining in his position while contesting these allegations.
The indictment includes details about a dinner in April 2021, which was set up by the Turkish official, where Adams is reported to have solicited illegal contributions directly from Arkan—referred to in legal documents as “Businessman-5.” The following month, Arkan is said to have hosted a fundraiser for Adams at KSK’s office, where 11 employees contributed amounts ranging from $1,200 to $1,500 to the campaign, each allegedly reimbursed by the company, which constitutes illegal straw donations.
During interviews with the FBI, Arkan eventually confirmed his discussions with the Turkish official regarding the fundraising event but initially denied that he had reimbursed his workers.
While attempting to encourage others to contribute to Adams’ campaign, Arkan appeared to express doubts about the fundraising approach. He noted to potential donors within the New York Turkish community that it may seem like “swimming against the current,” but lamented that it is the operational norm in the country, according to the indictment.
As Adams prepares for his trial scheduled for April, he has vowed to combat the charges “with every ounce of my strength and my spirit.” However, his administration has experienced a series of controversies and ongoing investigations, contributing to the resignations of key figures including his police commissioner, schools chancellor, several deputy mayors, and his director of Asian affairs. Additionally, his former buildings commissioner was implicated in a distinct bribery conspiracy related to real estate last year.
Recently, Adams’ former senior advisor, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was charged by state prosecutors for allegedly taking bribes from two real estate developers aiming to expedite construction approval processes. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
