US Justice Department Indicts Gautam Adani on Bribery Charges
In a major development, the United States Department of Justice has indicted Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and seven senior executives from the Adani Group. The allegations involve a $265 million bribery scheme to secure contracts with Indian government officials. The contracts, estimated to yield profits exceeding $2 billion over two decades, were allegedly obtained through corrupt practices between 2020 and 2024.
According to the indictment unsealed in a New York federal court, Adani and his associates misrepresented their renewable energy projects as legitimate while engaging in corruption to secure state-backed contracts. The bribes, prosecutors claim, were hidden from U.S. and international investors, leading to further charges of securities fraud and wire fraud.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace described the case as “an elaborate scheme that undermines the integrity of global financial markets.” In addition to the criminal charges, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a civil lawsuit against Adani, seeking financial penalties for violations of securities laws.
The legal proceedings pose a significant challenge for the Adani Group, which has faced scrutiny over its business practices in the past. The company, known for its vast empire spanning infrastructure, renewable energy, and ports, has been a cornerstone of India’s economy but is now under intense global scrutiny.
As the case unfolds, questions about corporate governance and transparency within the Adani Group are likely to grow, with implications for investors and the international business community. The Adani Group has yet to respond publicly to these allegations
Meantime Adani stocks tumble in stock market
Latest Updates:
- Kenyan President Ruto cancels all the ongoing deals with Adani in transportation and Petroleum and energy sectors
- #AdaniGroup issued clarification denying all charges by the US officials. The company called the allegations against directors of #AdaniGreen baseless.