The forgotten password from the iPhone smartphone was at the center of a high-profile corruption scandal

The story of the federal indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams took an unexpected turn related to his iPhone. It would seem a normal situation — forgotten smartphone password — acquired a completely different meaning in the context of a corruption investigation.

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According to court documents, in November 2023, investigators seized several of Adams' mobile devices, but his personal iPhone remained inaccessible to them. When the mayor provided the phone on demand the next day, the device was locked, and with a changed password.

Adams' explanation looks unconvincing, to say the least. After learning about the investigation, he said, he decided to change the four-digit password to a six-digit one to preserve the contents of the phone for the investigation. At the same time, the mayor allegedly immediately forgot the new code. This story is told in a section of the court document with the telling title "Adams and his accomplices try to hide their criminal activities".

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that one of Adams' colleagues during conversations with the FBI, after retiring to the bathroom, deleted the encrypted messaging programs used to communicate with the mayor.

It's worth noting that even for the FBI, gaining access to a locked iPhone can be a serious challenge. Apple fundamentally refuses to create “black moves” in their law enforcement devices. While the company can provide access to iCloud data, that information is encrypted and Apple itself cannot read it.

Federal charges against Adams include bribery, fraud and receiving illegal campaign donations from foreign nationals, including from Turkey. This is the first time in history that a sitting mayor of New York has been charged at the federal level.

If investigators are unable to access Adams' iPhone, it could significantly affect the course of the investigation. According to available data, law enforcement officers cannot yet hack devices with iOS version 17.4 and higher.

The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for October 2, 2024. Eric Adams denies all accusations, but the story of the “forgotten” iPhone password has already become a symbol of this high-profile corruption scandal.