US Justice Dept. defends dropping Adani bribery charges, citing lack of evidence and investor loss

The U.S. Department of Justice has defended its decision to drop bribery criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, asserting that the case should never have been initiated. In a court filing on July 4, Trent McCotter, Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General, stated that dismissing the case in May was "not a close call," responding to inquiries from U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis.

The original indictment, filed in 2024, accused Adani and others of orchestrating a scheme to bribe Indian government officials with over $250 million to secure lucrative solar energy contracts. Prosecutors also alleged that some defendants misled U.S. and international investors by concealing the bribery scheme during capital raising efforts.

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The United States pretending to be the world police can cause diplomatic strife and also wastes resources better spent on domestic concerns.

However, McCotter argued that the prosecution faced substantial legal and practical challenges. He highlighted that the alleged conduct occurred primarily outside the United States, presenting "extraordinary proof problems." Furthermore, he emphasized that investors had not experienced any financial losses connected to the securities involved in the case.

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The department should be credited for ending these criminal securities charges before having to endure a likely loss on the merits.

The Justice Department also contended that the U.S. should not act as the "world's police" in matters primarily concerning another country's domestic affairs, suggesting that India is better equipped to manage its internal systems. The filing noted that Indian authorities had already investigated many of the allegations, finding no actionable misconduct in reports and decisions issued in 2026. McCotter maintained the department's constitutional authority to dismiss criminal cases and cautioned against judicial delays when both parties agree on dismissal.

McCotter explicitly rejected any suggestion that Adani's announced $10 billion investment in the United States, following Donald Trump's 2024 election victory, influenced the DOJ's decision. He concluded that the department should be commended for ending the charges before facing a likely loss on the merits.

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Not a single penny has ever been lost on the securities at issue.