"Baseless and categorically denied...": Adani Group Denies US Bribery Allegations, Vows Legal Action

The Adani Group on Thursday rejected the charges made by US prosecutors, who alleged that the company's chairman, Gautam Adani, had paid over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure lucrative government contracts. The group dismissed these claims as baseless and emphasized that they were merely allegations. The statement added that the group would explore legal options in response to the accusations.

“The allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against the directors of Adani Green are baseless and categorically denied,” the Adani Group said in a statement. “We have always maintained the highest standards of governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance across all our operations,” it continued.

The group also referenced the US Department of Justice’s own statement, which highlighted that the charges in the indictment were merely allegations, and that the accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. “All possible legal recourse will be sought,” the Adani Group affirmed, assuring stakeholders, partners, and employees of their commitment to upholding the law.

In defense of the company, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya accused the United States of misusing its jurisdiction. He suggested that India could similarly accuse American firms of bribing US officials to gain access to Indian markets. “Should we then allow law to take its course, or get involved in the domestic politics of a foreign country?” he questioned.

Another BJP leader, Sambit Patra, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the company would defend itself in the matter. “There are allegations and counter-allegations. We clearly believe that the company will issue a statement and defend itself. Law will take its own course,” Patra said.

However, senior Congress leader and leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi demanded the immediate arrest of Gautam Adani. “PM Modi gave the call ‘ek hai too safe hai’. In India nothing will happen to Adani. As long as PM Modi is there, Adani is safe. Why is he still scot-free? In India Chief Ministers can get arrested but not Adani. Because Adani is protected by PM Modi. In fact PM Modi can’t do anything even if he wants”, said Rahul Gandhi.

The charges against Gautam Adani, according to Bloomberg, involve a scheme to pay bribes to Indian officials in exchange for favorable terms on solar power contracts. Prosecutors allege that Adani personally met with Indian authorities multiple times to advance the bribery scheme.

Further details suggest that co-conspirators communicated via electronic messaging apps and met in person to coordinate the illegal payments, including while in the US. The group is also accused of documenting their bribery efforts extensively, using cell phones to track locations and recipients of bribe payments. They allegedly prepared PowerPoint and Excel presentations to assess the best payment options, with one document referring to a direct payment to the Indian Energy Company as a “Development Fee.”

According to the charges, the individuals involved used code names, with Gautam Adani referred to as “Mr A,” “numero uno,” and “the big man.” The group is also accused of destroying evidence, including a PowerPoint presentation and other electronic communications, in an attempt to cover up their actions.​