NEW YORK — May 15, 2026
Indian billionaire Gautam Adani could soon receive significant legal relief as U.S. authorities reportedly move toward resolving fraud allegations against him and ending a high-profile criminal case that has weighed on the Adani Group for more than a year.
According to a report by Bloomberg, the U.S. Department of Justice may announce as early as this week that it plans to withdraw criminal charges linked to an alleged bribery and securities fraud investigation.
The development could pave the way for the Adani Group to strengthen investor confidence, regain easier access to global capital markets and revive its aggressive international expansion plans.
SEC Also Reportedly Moving Toward Settlement
The report stated that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is also working toward resolving a parallel civil fraud case filed against Adani and other defendants in November 2024.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that because the defendants remain outside the United States, the Justice Department could effectively discontinue its criminal prosecution. However, the SEC settlement process may still involve potential financial penalties.
The criminal proceedings had reportedly stalled because members of the Adani family were not present in the United States, while the SEC’s civil action continued to move through court procedures.
Background of the $250 Million Bribery Allegations
In November 2024, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn alleged in a five-count indictment that Adani and several others participated in a $250 million bribery scheme tied to solar energy contracts in India.
According to prosecutors, the defendants allegedly promised payments to Indian officials to secure solar power agreements and failed to disclose the arrangement while raising money from American investors.
Separately, the SEC alleged that Adani directed or approved payments linked to securing contracts for one of India’s largest solar energy projects through Adani Green Energy.
The Adani Group has consistently denied all allegations and maintained that it complied with all applicable laws and disclosure requirements.
Neither Gautam Adani nor his nephew Sagar Adani has appeared in a U.S. court in connection with the case.
Legal Defense Challenged US Jurisdiction
Earlier this year, lawyers representing Adani filed motions seeking dismissal of the SEC case.
The defense argued that U.S. regulators lacked proper jurisdiction over the Indian businessmen and claimed that the alleged statements cited in the case were not legally actionable under American securities law.
Legal experts say that if both the criminal and civil matters are resolved, it would remove a major overhang for the Adani Group, whose businesses span ports, airports, coal mining, infrastructure and renewable energy.
Political Reactions Intensify in India
The reported developments also triggered political reactions in India.
Indian National Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following reports of possible U.S. legal relief for Adani.
Ramesh alleged that the developments explained why India had allegedly agreed to what he described as a “one-sided” trade arrangement with the United States.
He also referenced India’s military operation known as “Operation Sindoor” following the Pahalgam terror attack, questioning why the operation was halted.
The Indian government has not officially responded to the opposition’s claims.
Adani Group Yet to Comment Officially
As of now, neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor the SEC has publicly confirmed the reported resolution.
Spokespersons for the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment, while representatives for the Adani Group had not issued an immediate response.
Investors and global markets are closely watching the outcome of the case, which has remained one of the most closely followed corporate legal battles involving an Indian conglomerate in recent years.
