New Delhi: Multiple rounds of talks between representatives of tycoon Gautam Adani and officials from the Trump administration over the criminal charges linked to a foreign bribery investigation have progressed steadily and could lead to a “resolution in the coming month or so,” Bloomberg reported on Monday (May 5).>
Last month, the Wall Street Journal had reported that Gautam Adani’s lawyers were asking the US justice department to drop criminal charges filed against him for orchestrating over $250 million in bribes to secure lucrative solar energy contracts in India.>
The charges had been made against him, his nephew Sagar Adani and six other executives of three separate firms in an indictment unsealed in October.>
In a separate but parallel action, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had filed civil complaints against Gautam and Sagar Adani of violating anti-fraud provisions of federal securities laws.>
The Wire had previously sought comments from both the justice department and the Adani Group about these discussions, but received no response.>
Bloomberg reported that talks, which began earlier this year, have “intensified in recent weeks” and could lead to a settlement “in the coming month or so, if the pace continues”.>
“Adani’s representatives are trying to make the case that his prosecution doesn’t align with President Donald Trump’s priorities and should be reconsidered,” the report said, quoting a source.>
One of the meetings reportedly took place in March with prosecutors from the US attorney’s office for the eastern district of New York and officials from the justice department.>
In February, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for 180 days, arguing that it “actively harms American economic competitiveness and, therefore, national security.”>
The Wire had spoken to multiple US legal experts who had said that the pause by the justice department may offer some hope for the Adani Group, but that it wasn’t clear sailing yet.>
The US news agency also reported that Adani has enlisted a roster of high-powered lawyers and lobbyists to work on his behalf, pursuing talks with the administration.>
Among them is Mark Filip of Kirkland & Ellis, and William Burck of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan – who previously represented New York Mayor Eric Adams.>
Both Filip and Burck have publicly registered as lobbyists for Adani’s firms.>
Another lobbying outfit cited in the report is the BGR Group.>
Soon after the US presidential election results were announced, Adani had congratulated Trump and pledged $10 billion in new investments in the US, promising to create over 15,000 jobs.>
The Wire had reported that SEC had told a New York federal court last week that it was still seeking information from the Indian government about whether summons had been delivered to Adani and his nephew at their address in Gujarat.>
