Zohran Mahdani, Democratic candidate for New York City Mayor, faces two criminal referrals arising from allegations that he accepted almost $13,000 from donors who had foreign addresses.
According to a report from Fox News, the referrals were sent to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. According to Fox News, the referrals were sent to U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division and Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg.
Reviewing the New York City Campaign Finance Board’s (CFB) filings, we found at least $13,000 in donations from people who listed addresses overseas, such as Australia, Canada and Dubai. We also identified France, Germany, Australia and Turkey. Mamdani’s wife, who is a Dubai pediatrician and contributed $500 in January 2025, was reimbursed four days later. A Dubai-based investor donated $2,100 to the cause in September 2025.
CRF President Dan Backer called the pattern “continuous”, claiming that the campaign had been aware of it for several months, but did not implement any meaningful safeguards. Backer said that the pattern was “sustained” and that it violated both federal laws as well as New York City’s campaign finance regulations.
The group claimed that refunds did not excuse initial acceptance, and the “totality of circumstances” indicated likely illegal contributions. This was true even though some donors may be U.S. Citizens or Green-Card holders who live abroad.
Referrals from the DOJ are aimed at potential violations of Federal Election Campaign Acts (FECA), that prohibit foreigners — who are defined as those without permanent residence in the United States — to make or receive contributions for any U.S. elections, even state and local ones. For violations committed with knowledge, penalties can range from fines to imprisonment.
CFB’s records show that as of October 2025 there were 91 refunds of $5,723.50. At least 88 contributions worth $7,190 were still not returned at the previous reporting date. CRF chairman Shaun McCutcheon referred to foreign funds as “a threat” and called for immediate prosecution.
Mamdani’s campaign acknowledged that the donations were flagged and maintained they were in compliance with laws governing campaign financing. Dora Pekec, spokeswoman for the Mamdani campaign, stressed that U.S. Citizens and lawful Permanent Residents living overseas are eligible to give under federal, city, and state laws. Pekec, a spokesperson for the Campaign, told reporters that “the Campaign is implementing a strict compliance process.” She added that refunds had been made and would be issued.
CFB approved 31 out of 170 contributions. The remainder 139 donors were reimbursed. The campaign said that “any issue relating to financial contributions have been resolved.” They had earlier added: “We are returning any donations which do not comply with CFB laws.”
Mamdani raised $4 million (plus an additional $12.7 million) in private funds, ahead of the Tuesday election. Self-described socialist Mamdani is heavily favored over Republican Curtis Sliwa, and former New York governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo is now running an independent bid after losing the primary to Mamdani.
