New York mayor Eric Adams under scrutiny for ties to Uzbek businessman

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing renewed federal scrutiny over alleged ties to a Brooklyn-based businessman with close links to the Uzbek government. As The Times of Central Asia reported last year, the investigation centers on whether Adams helped improve Uzbekistan’s public image in exchange for campaign contributions.

According to court documents reviewed by THE CITY, the businessman, Tolib Mansurov, a dual citizen of the United States and Uzbekistan, allegedly served as an intermediary for the Uzbek government while also helping to fund Adams’ mayoral campaigns. In return, Adams is said to have provided favorable public exposure that enhanced Uzbekistan’s reputation, despite the country’s record of human rights abuses.

Prosecutors describe Mansurov as a well-connected figure who maintained frequent communication with officials at Uzbekistan’s mission to the United Nations.

He organized multiple events involving Adams and the Uzbek-American community in New York.

One notable event was a flag-raising ceremony at