US Justice Dept Seeks Dismissal Of Criminal Case Against Gautam Adani
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally urged a federal court to dismiss the criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, arguing that the case is predominantly foreign in nature, difficult to prosecute and no longer aligned with the department’s enforcement priorities.In a 10-page court filing submitted on Saturday, the DOJ asked the US District Court to dismiss all charges with prejudice against Adani and the other defendants. The filing came in response to an order by US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis last month, directing prosecutors to explain their decision to abandon the case.
The department argued that the prosecution, initiated during the administration of former President Joe Biden, had little realistic prospect of success.
“The indictment was unsealed in the final days of the prior Administration, apparently as a ‘name and shame’ designed to levy accusations without any realistic prospect of a trial ever occurring,” the filing stated.
The DOJ also contended that the matter involved alleged conduct between Indian nationals, Indian companies and the Indian government, with no direct involvement of US companies, organised crime or national security concerns.
“The alleged ‘payments’ in this case were made by Indian nationals, working for Indian companies, to the Indian government, with no US interests implicated in any way,” the department said.
Adani was charged in 2024 with allegedly participating in a bribery scheme involving Indian government officials to secure approvals for a solar energy project. Prosecutors also accused him of misleading US investors by making representations regarding the company’s anti-corruption practices.
The Adani Group has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that neither the company nor its chairman engaged in any wrongdoing. Gautam Adani has not appeared before a US court in connection with the case.
The move marks another instance of the Justice Department seeking to withdraw a high-profile white-collar prosecution during President Donald Trump’s second term.
While legal experts note that federal judges have limited authority to compel prosecutors to pursue cases they no longer wish to litigate, the charges will remain pending until Judge Garaufis formally approves their dismissal.
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