The order to the federal prosecutors comes in a memo from the US's acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. He orders them to immediately drop the case, and further not to take "additional investigative measures" against Adams until after the mayoral election in November.
But the decision has nothing to do with the case itself.
"The ongoing prosecution has unfairly restricted Mayor Adams' ability to devote full attention and resources to illegal immigration and violent crime", writes Bove in the memo, which AP has taken part of.
Democrat Adams has been accused of, among other things, receiving bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources.
Among other things, Adams is accused of having helped Turkish officials obtain fire safety certificates for a new diplomatic building in the city, in exchange for free or discounted flights with Turkey's national airline, according to the prosecution.
