U.S. Judge Dismisses Bribery Case Against Gautam Adani

A U.S. judge ruled in favor of Indian businessman Gautam Adani on August 10, 2026, dismissing a bribery and fraud case against him. The Trump administration had decided to drop the charges earlier.

The case, filed in May 2024, accused Adani of participating in a $265 million scheme to bribe Indian officials for solar energy contracts. Federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis approved the prosecutors’ request to end the case.

U.S. media reported that Adani’s lawyer, Robert Giuffra—who also represents former President Donald Trump—told Justice Department officials in April that Adani would invest $10 billion in the U.S. economy if charges were dropped. However, Judge Garaufis clarified that this investment pledge was not a factor in the government’s decision to dismiss the case.

The judge criticized how the dismissal was handled by Trent McCotter, the Trump-appointed official who oversaw the case. He noted that McCotter worked closely with Adani’s defense team without consulting FBI and SEC investigators or prosecutors who originally brought the case.

Adani, one of India’s wealthiest individuals and a strong supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including allegations of corporate fraud and a stock market downturn. Despite these issues, he expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, emphasizing his belief in justice and the legal process.

The Adani Group is a major business conglomerate in India, operating ports, power plants, cement factories, and media outlets across the country.