On Monday, a U.S. judge dismissed criminal charges against India’s richest man, Gautam Adani, but questioned the unusual process through which the Justice Department decided to abandon the high-profile bribery and fraud case.
Judge Dismisses Adani Bribery Case
U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis in Brooklyn granted federal prosecutors’ request to dismiss the case after seeking explanations for why the Justice Department wanted to abandon the prosecution, Reuters reported.
Adani was charged in 2024 with allegedly agreeing to bribe Indian officials to secure approval for a solar-energy project and misleading U.S. investors about anti-corruption practices.
Adani Group has denied wrongdoing.
The judge criticized Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter for making the dismissal decision after consulting Adani’s defense lawyers while apparently bypassing prosecutors and investigators involved in the case.
“The irregularities in the decision to dismiss the indictment are concerning,” Garaufis wrote.
He added that McCotter appeared to have “eschewed the professional opinions” of numerous federal officials.
Judge Questions DOJ Decision
The Justice Department said the case was primarily foreign, difficult to prove and inconsistent with its current priorities.
Garaufis concluded that Adani’s $10 billion U.S. investment pledge did not influence the Justice Department’s decision to dismiss the case.
Adani Welcomes US Court Ruling
In a post on X, Adani welcomed the U.S. court’s decision, expressing “humility and deep respect” for the judicial process.
He said his faith in truth, fairness and the rule of law remained strong throughout the case and thanked those who supported him.
Adani reaffirmed his commitment to building for India, creating long-term value and serving a broader national purpose.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: El editorial / Shutterstock.com
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