US DOJ drops Adani bribery case
Analysis based on 90 articles · First reported Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 19, 2026
The dismissal removes a significant legal overhang for Adani Group, potentially boosting investor confidence and stock prices. However, the SEC and Treasury settlements impose financial penalties, and the case highlights ongoing scrutiny of foreign bribery enforcement.
The United States — United States Department of Justice (DOJ) moved to dismiss criminal charges against Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Group, and seven co-defendants, including his nephew Sagar Adani and former Adani Green Energy CEO Vneet Jaain. The charges, unsealed in November 2024, alleged a scheme to pay over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials for solar energy contracts and to mislead US investors. The DOJ, under Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General R. Trent McCotter, argued the case was legally weak, extraterritorial, and inconsistent with enforcement priorities. Judge Nicholas Garaufis initially questioned the dismissal but ordered further explanation. The DOJ filed a detailed justification, citing jurisdictional issues, lack of investor losses, and India's own investigations. Adani denied any deal behind the dismissal in a sworn affidavit. Separately, the SEC reached civil settlements with Gautam Adani ($6 million) and Sagar Adani ($12 million), and Adani Enterprises agreed to pay $275 million to the Treasury for Iran sanctions violations. The defense, led by Robert Giuffra of Sullivan & Cromwell, submitted 600 pages of legal arguments over 10 weeks. The case is one of several high-profile prosecutions dropped during Donald Trump's second term.
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