Who owns KSK Construction? NYC Mayor Eric Adams denies having knowledge of Brooklyn firm at center of fundraising probe
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Erden Arkan, the co-owner of a construction company based in Brooklyn, New York City, which is at the center of an FBI investigation related to Mayor Eric Adams' fundraising, has been known for his extravagant lifestyle, frequently sharing glimpses of his jet-setting adventures on social media.
Arkan, a 74-year-old globe-trotter, along with his wife Itir, has been posting pictures from luxurious destinations worldwide, including their recent vacation in Osaka, Japan, hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, Turkey, and their travels to Greece's Chios Island.
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Lavish real estate holdings
In 2020, the couple purchased a $2.1 million, 1,193-square-foot apartment on the 6th floor of the high-rise condo at 570 Broome Street, a property constructed by Arkan's company KSK Construction Group. The building also houses high-profile residents like 'Jersey Shore' star Vinny Guadagnino.
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Additionally, the Arkans own a one-bedroom condo at the Forty2East luxury apartment complex in Williamsburg, which they bought in 2016 for $865,000 and currently rent for $4,200 monthly.
Itir Arkan is a former teacher at the prestigious Marymount School of New York, a private Catholic school for girls with annual tuition costs of $60,375. The couple has two daughters -- Gunce, 47, and Canem, 43.
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KSK Construction Group, led by Erden Arkan, specializes in hotel and condo development and has an impressive portfolio of over 40 projects, including The Stores at Fulton Mall Hotel in Brooklyn and the Hilton Garden Inn in Queens. They also have more than 30 projects in progress throughout New York City.
FBI raid
On Thursday, November 2, federal agents conducted a raid at the home of Briana Suggs, a prominent campaign fundraiser for Mayor Eric Adams.
Sources within law enforcement revealed that the FBI was seeking evidence that could shed light on whether Mayor Adams' team conspired with KSK and the Turkish government to funnel foreign money into the campaign through "straw donors" in exchange for political favors.
A straw donor is an individual or entity that makes an illegal donation using someone else's money but conceals the true source by using their name.
"The mayor of New York City is one of the most powerful people in the world. And they have a direct line to the White House, leaders in Congress, and Wall Street…If you’re the Turkish government, that’s someone you want to be friends with to get ahead on the world stage," one Democratic strategist told the New York Post.
Erden Arkan, who was born in Turkey, donated $1,500 to Mayor Adams' campaign in 2021. He also hosted a fundraiser that raised nearly $70,000 for the mayor's campaign, according to records.
As of now, no charges have been filed against KSK, Arkan, Mayor Adams, or Suggs.
Adams responded to the situation during an interview with PIX11's Dan Mannarino, stating that he had no personal association or prior involvement with KSK Construction Group.
"I am not familiar with this organization at all … It's one of the many different groups and organizations that contributes to the campaign," he explained. He also confirmed that he had been in contact with Suggs, and his legal team was involved.
Ongoing investigation
The FBI's investigation involves potential straw donors who made donations in their own names to obscure the true source.
Campaign finance records revealed that 11 KSK employees made nearly identical donations of about $1,250 to Adams' campaign on the same day in 2021, totaling almost $14,000.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Adams vehemently denied any wrongdoing and praised Briana Suggs, who managed to raise $18 million for his 2021 campaign. "Where there's smoke, there's not always fire," Adams asserted.
On Saturday, November 4, Adams declined to comment further on the probe during an event at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens.
The mayor smiled at reporters while an operative told media members, “Thank you for your questions, we’re not taking questions,” before adding, “We appreciate your questions.”
Adams has made extensive travels to Turkey, both during his tenure as mayor and Brooklyn borough president. It's worth noting that Brooklyn has a significant Turkish population in neighborhoods like Brighton Beach, Midwood, and Sheepshead Bay, per the New York Post.