Business 11 August 2026 Nile Post
US Judge Tosses Bribery and Fraud Charges Against Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani
A U.S. judge has dismissed criminal charges of bribery and fraud against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. While Adani welcomed the decision, the judge expressed strong reservations about the process leading to the dismissal. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/362774/us-judge-drops-bribery-and-fraud-case-against-indian-billionaire-gautam-adani
A significant legal chapter has closed for Indian industrialist Gautam Adani, as a U.S. judge has dismissed criminal charges of bribery and fraud that were levied against him.
The case, initiated in 2024, accused Adani and his companies of paying bribes to Indian officials for renewable energy projects and misleading American investors. Adani Group has consistently maintained its innocence, denying all allegations of wrongdoing.
U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis approved the Justice Department’s request to drop the charges in a 47-page order. The Justice Department had previously sought the dismissal, citing that much of the alleged misconduct occurred outside the U.S., making prosecution difficult, and that the case no longer aligned with their priorities.
However, Judge Garaufis did not mince words regarding the method of dismissal. He criticized the involvement of a high-ranking Justice Department official, R Trent McCotter, who reportedly worked with Adani’s legal team on the dismissal without consulting the prosecutors and investigators who handled the case. The judge described the process as “highly unusual” and suggested McCotter may have overstepped by substituting his judgment for that of the case’s primary personnel.
Adani, who never appeared in a U.S. court for the proceedings, expressed his gratitude for the ruling. He stated his “unwavering” faith in the legal system during this “challenging period.”
It is important to note that this criminal case is distinct from other civil matters involving Adani and his companies. Earlier this year, Adani and his nephew settled separate allegations with the Securities and Exchange Commission for $6 million and $12 million respectively, without admitting or denying fault. Additionally, Adani Enterprises agreed to a $275 million settlement concerning potential civil liability for violations of U.S. sanctions on Iran.