“Azerbaijani advisor to New York mayor”
Suspended Adams aide told staffers to delete texts after FBI raid: source:
AI Overview
Eric Adams investigation and the role of Rana Abbasova and Azerbaijan
The ongoing federal investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign has expanded to include potential ties to the governments of Turkey and Azerbaijan. A key figure in this investigation is Rana Abbasova, a former aide to Mayor Adams with familial ties to Azerbaijan.
Abbasova’s alleged involvement and role as a cooperator
- Liaison and Protocol Role: Abbasova served as a liaison to the Turkish community for Adams, first during his time as Brooklyn Borough President and later in his mayoral office as Director of Protocol for International Affairs. She helped organize events, meetings, and travel for Adams, including trips to Turkey.
- Indictment Allegations and Cooperation: Abbasova is believed to be the unnamed staffer mentioned in the 57-page indictment against Adams, which details alleged illegal foreign donations and luxury travel upgrades. It is reported that she is cooperating with federal investigators in the probe. However, she has not been formally accused of wrongdoing. The indictment alleges she initially lied to FBI agents about her and Adams’s conduct before deleting encrypted messaging apps used to communicate with the Mayor.
- Potential Impact of Cooperation: Abbasova’s cooperation could provide crucial information for the prosecution, though Adams’s defense lawyer has argued that her initial lies to investigators could undermine her credibility as a witness.
Azerbaijan’s alleged connection
- Abbasova’s Background: Abbasova is originally from Azerbaijan, whose government maintains close ties with Turkey, sharing cultural and political connections.
- Funded Travel and Political Adviser: Reports indicate that the Azerbaijani government may have funded travel expenses for Abbasova and another city official on an alleged economic development trip, raising questions about potential foreign influence on Adams’s activities. It has also been reported that Adams’s political adviser, Frank Carone, met with a top Azerbaijani government official in the country.
- Diaspora Group Activity: Similar to allegations involving the Turkish community, there are reports that an Azerbaijani diaspora group also organized a fundraiser for Adams’s mayoral campaign, potentially involving illegal donations.
Current status of the investigation
- Ongoing Nature: The investigation into Mayor Adams and his associates is ongoing and appears to be expanding to include additional countries and potential criminal activity.
- Adams’ Denial: Mayor Adams has consistently maintained his innocence and denies any wrongdoing, asserting that he has always followed the law.
- Indictment and Dismissal (Controversy): It’s important to note a February 2025 report claiming that the Justice Department instructed federal prosecutors to dismiss all charges against Adams, leading to the resignation of top Justice Department officials and four deputy mayors. This claim, however, has not been widely confirmed in other reports and appears to contradict the general understanding that the investigation remains active and potentially expanding. This discrepancy may require further investigation to determine the accurate status of the case.
- Potential Political Impact: The investigation poses a significant challenge for Mayor Adams, potentially overshadowing his administration’s focus on key issues and providing ammunition for political opponents.
In summary, Rana Abbasova’s cooperation in the federal investigation into Mayor Adams is a significant development, potentially revealing insights into alleged illegal foreign donations and influence schemes involving Turkey and Azerbaijan. The extent of Azerbaijan’s alleged involvement remains under scrutiny, particularly concerning travel expenses and potential illegal contributions.
Recent reporting surrounding former NYC mayoral aide Rana Abbasova has primarily focused on a federal investigation into Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign and potential connections to the Turkish government. Ms. Abbasova, who is originally from Azerbaijan, worked as a liaison to the Turkish and Azerbaijani communities for Adams during his time as Brooklyn Borough President and later in the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs. She has also traveled with Adams to Turkey on two occasions, according to records.
In the context of the federal probe, Ms. Abbasova is reportedly cooperating with federal investigators. The investigation is reportedly focused on whether Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign conspired with the Turkish government to funnel illegal donations into campaign coffers and whether Adams pressured the Fire Department to sign off on a new Turkish consulate despite safety concerns.
While Ms. Abbasova’s family is from Azerbaijan and she has maintained ties with the Azerbaijani community, no public reports suggest a direct connection between her and the Azerbaijani intelligence services in relation to this investigation or any other matter.
One instance of her involvement with the Azerbaijani government includes a 2023 trip to Baku, Azerbaijan, which was sponsored by the “State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan”. This trip, which included Ms. Abbasova and then-Mayor’s Office of International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein, was reportedly for economic development and sharing best practices. The Azerbaijani government covered a portion of the expenses for this trip.
The State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan is a governmental agency within the Cabinet of Azerbaijan responsible for establishing and maintaining contact with the Azerbaijani diaspora abroad. Its primary mission involves supporting Azerbaijanis worldwide in their efforts for national unity and strengthening their ties with their homeland.
Regarding collaboration with intelligence services, publicly available information does not specify direct, formal ties between the Diaspora Committee and Azerbaijani intelligence agencies. However, it is important to note:
- The State Security Service (SSS) and the Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS) are the main intelligence and security bodies of Azerbaijan. The SSS is responsible for domestic security, while the FIS handles foreign intelligence matters. These agencies are concerned with national security, which can indirectly relate to activities impacting diaspora communities abroad.
- The State Committee on Work with Diaspora plays a role in disseminating information about Azerbaijan’s domestic and foreign policy to diaspora members, and encourages their participation in the country’s economic, social, and cultural development. This broader context of diaspora engagement could be of interest to intelligence agencies concerned with national interests and foreign influence.
In summary, while the State Committee on Work with Diaspora’s official mandate doesn’t explicitly involve intelligence services, the nature of its work, especially regarding national unity and diaspora engagement, could lead to tangential interests from intelligence agencies focused on national security and foreign affairs.
My Opinion:
As AI reports mention, the significant part of the
information on this subject, specifically its
connections with the Foreign Intelligence Service of
Azerbaijan is not publicly available.
My impression on the basis of the occasional observations,
is that Azerbaijani intelligence services are:
- BRAZEN,
- Arrogant,
- Intrusive,
- And not very smart.
They evoke the sense of deep disgust and revulsion,
more than any other services of this type.
They are intoxicated with the sense of the easy money supplied to them.
I think, that this subject needs a special attention from the FBI.