US Justice Department seeks dismissal of fraud, bribery charges against Adani

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has moved to dismiss all fraud and bribery charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, arguing that the case falls largely outside US jurisdiction, would be difficult to prosecute and no longer aligns with the administration's enforcement priorities.

The request was submitted in a 10-page filing to a US district court on Saturday in response to an earlier order from District Judge Nicholas Garaufis, who had directed federal prosecutors to explain why they wanted to abandon the securities and wire fraud case initiated during the Biden administration.

In its filing, the DOJ argued that the prosecution was based on a weak legal foundation and had little chance of succeeding in court.

It further claimed the indictment was made public during the final days of the previous administration primarily to "name and shame" the defendants rather than pursue a viable prosecution.

The department maintained that the alleged conduct was overwhelmingly foreign in nature and did not warrant prosecution in the United States. Prosecutors said the case involved no US companies, organised criminal networks or threats to US national security.

According to the filing, the alleged payments were made by Indian nationals and Indian companies to Indian government officials, with no direct impact on US interests.

Adani was charged in 2024 over allegations that he agreed to pay bribes to Indian officials to secure approvals for a major solar power project and misled US investors about the Adani Group's anti-corruption practices.

The Adani Group has consistently denied all allegations, describing them as baseless. Gautam Adani has never appeared before a US court in connection with the case.

The latest filing marks another high-profile corporate case the Justice Department has sought to withdraw under President Donald Trump's second administration, reflecting a broader shift in federal enforcement priorities.

Legal experts note that while judges have limited authority to compel prosecutors to continue a case, the charges will technically remain pending until Judge Garaufis formally approves the DOJ's request for dismissal.

Source: Reuters