US Court Drops Corruption Case Against Indian Billionaire Adani

A U.S. judge has dismissed a corruption case against Indian magnate Gautam Adani, siding with the U.S. Department of Justice's request to drop the proceedings. The case, initiated in 2024, accused Adani and some employees of his firm Green Energy of paying $250 million to Indian officials to gain an advantage in solar energy business deals in India, to the detriment of U.S. investors.

In May, the prosecution withdrew its allegations, arguing that the charges were difficult to prove. The department also cited that the alleged conduct occurred primarily overseas and did not align with the agency's current priorities. This move came after Adani announced plans in November 2024 to invest $10 billion in the United States.

Reports from the New York Times indicated that Adani had hired a new legal team, led by Robert Giuffra, an attorney for former U.S. President Donald Trump. Around April, Giuffra reportedly suggested that Adani was willing to invest $10 billion and create 15,000 jobs in the U.S. if the lawsuit were dropped. The judge had been examining whether such commitments were made in exchange for the dismissal.

Adani, in a sworn statement in mid-July, denied any knowledge of such arrangements. A high-ranking Justice Department official also refuted media reports suggesting the investment pledge played a role in the decision. Adani's lawyer stated that the department clarified the company's U.S. investment intentions were not part of any settlement.

Despite the dismissal of charges against Adani, the judge refused to dismiss two counts against five co-defendants, indicating that the U.S. legal process continues for them.