US Justice Department seeks permanent dismissal of Gautam Adani case

The U.S. Justice Department filed a 10‑page motion asking federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis to dismiss with prejudice all criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and seven co‑defendants. The department argues the prosecution was a “name and shame” indictment unsealed in the final days of the prior administration and that it had “no realistic prospect of a trial ever occurring.” It characterises the matter as a foreign case, noting that the alleged bribery scheme and securities‑fraud allegations occurred largely in India, involved Indian nationals and companies, and did not affect U.S. national security or U.S. investors. Indian authorities have already investigated the accusations and found no actionable misconduct; investors suffered no losses because the relevant notes were repaid or remain serviced. The filing also cites practical hurdles such as key evidence and witnesses being located abroad and defendants unlikely to appear before a U.S. court. Judge Garaufis had previously ordered the DOJ to explain its request after describing its earlier motion as “terse, bland, and conclusory.” The department maintains the case should have been dropped earlier and that continuing it would be diplomatically counterproductive and inconsistent with current enforcement priorities.