DOJ May Drop Gautam Adani Fraud Charges Amid $10 Billion U.S. Investment Plan

The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly close to dismissing criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, according to sources familiar with the matter. The development comes as Adani, chairman of the Adani Group and a close ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues plans to invest $10 billion in the U.S. economy and create around 15,000 jobs.

The potential dismissal follows a presentation made by Adani’s attorney, Robert Giuffra, who also serves as a personal lawyer for former U.S. President Donald Trump. Sources said Giuffra argued before Justice Department officials that the ongoing legal case was preventing Adani from moving forward with major U.S. investments. His presentation reportedly claimed the case lacked sufficient evidence and proper jurisdiction.

The criminal case, filed in Brooklyn in November 2024 during the Biden administration, accused Adani and associates of participating in a bribery scheme involving approximately $265 million paid to Indian government officials. Prosecutors alleged the payments were intended to secure approvals for what would become India’s largest solar energy project. Authorities also claimed Adani’s companies raised more than $3 billion from investors and lenders while concealing the alleged corruption.

Separately, Adani resolved a related civil fraud lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Court records show the settlement awaits judicial approval. Sources indicated Adani and his nephew may jointly pay roughly $15 million without admitting wrongdoing.

The Adani Group also faces a separate settlement worth $275 million with the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control over allegations tied to shipping Iranian gas.

Adani has denied all accusations, calling them “baseless.” Despite ongoing legal scrutiny, the billionaire remains one of the world’s richest individuals, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $82 billion.