DOJ Seeks Dismissal of Fraud Charges Against Gautam Adani in U.S. Court

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally asked a federal court to dismiss all criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, arguing that the case is largely foreign in nature, difficult to prove, and no longer aligns with the department’s enforcement priorities under the Trump administration.

In a 10-page filing submitted on Saturday, the DOJ urged U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis to dismiss the securities fraud and wire fraud charges with prejudice, preventing the case from being refiled. The filing came after the judge requested prosecutors explain their decision to abandon the prosecution.

According to the Justice Department, the indictment, which was filed during the final weeks of the Biden administration, had little realistic chance of reaching trial. Prosecutors described it as a "name and shame" action that lacked sufficient legal and practical grounds for continued prosecution.

The DOJ argued that the alleged misconduct involved Indian nationals, Indian companies, and the Indian government, with no meaningful impact on U.S. national security or direct involvement of U.S. businesses. As a result, the department said the case falls outside its current priorities for criminal enforcement.

Adani was charged in 2024 with allegedly participating in a bribery scheme involving Indian government officials to secure approvals for a solar energy project operated by a subsidiary of the Adani Group. U.S. prosecutors also accused him of misleading American investors by portraying the company’s anti-corruption practices more favorably than they allegedly were.

The Adani Group has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that neither the company nor its chairman engaged in any wrongdoing. Adani has not appeared in a U.S. court to respond to the charges.

The move represents another high-profile white-collar case the Justice Department has sought to end during President Donald Trump’s second term. While legal experts note that federal judges have limited authority to force prosecutors to continue a case they wish to dismiss, the charges remain active until Judge Garaufis issues a formal order approving the DOJ’s request.