Judge dismisses charges against billionaire Adani, but sharply criticizes DOJ
Summary
A federal judge dismissed criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and several co-defendants but criticized the U.S. Justice Department for how it handled the case. The judge questioned the role of a top Justice Department official who decided to drop the charges without consulting career prosecutors or investigators.Key Facts
- A federal judge dismissed fraud charges against Gautam Adani and some co-defendants but kept two charges against others.
- The judge criticized Trent McCotter, a senior Justice Department official, for deciding to drop the case largely on his own.
- This decision came after meetings between McCotter, Adani’s lawyers, and other officials, without input from investigators or career prosecutors.
- The case involved allegations of foreign bribery, brought late in President Joe Biden’s term and reviewed under President Donald Trump’s orders.
- Adani’s lawyers disputed the evidence and said dropping charges could lead to a $10 billion investment in the U.S. economy.
- Two career prosecutors left the case after the motion to dismiss was filed by politically appointed officials.
- McCotter defended his decision, saying it was based on many meetings and a review of extensive materials.
- The judge raised concerns about possible improper deals and asked Adani to respond to questions about the dismissal.
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