US Prosecutors Charge Indian Tycoon Gautam Adani Over $250 Million Bribe Scheme

$250 Million Bribe Allegations On Indian Tycoon Gautam Adani Shake Adani Group, Triggering Financial Collapse and Heightened Political Tensions in India

Gautam Adani, one of the world’s wealthiest men and a staunch ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, faces serious allegations from US prosecutors, who charged him with paying over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials. The charges, related to lucrative solar energy contracts, have sent shockwaves through the business world, with shares of Adani’s conglomerate plummeting by over 23%.

On Thursday, Adani Group swiftly denied the charges, calling them “baseless” and pledging to pursue all legal avenues. The industrialist’s empire, spanning coal, airports, and cement, saw its stock values tumble as a result of the allegations. This came just one day after the bombshell indictment accused Adani and his team of misleading international investors.

Allegations and Impact on Adani’s Empire

The indictment from the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) claims that Adani and several colleagues orchestrated a $250 million bribery scheme to secure solar energy deals in India. The contracts, which were expected to generate over $2 billion in profits, have drawn intense scrutiny. Despite the serious charges, none of the defendants are currently in custody.

Shares of Adani Enterprises, the group’s flagship unit, dropped drastically in Mumbai, triggering multiple trading halts. Meanwhile, Adani Green Energy, a renewable energy subsidiary, postponed a planned bond sale in light of the unfolding scandal.

Political Allegations and Calls for Accountability

As the charges mount, Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded Adani’s arrest, accusing Prime Minister Modi of protecting the billionaire.

“We demand that Adani be immediately arrested,” Gandhi stated, adding that Modi’s government has “failed to act” due to its ties with Adani.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the charges, with spokesperson Amit Malviya suggesting the allegations were politically motivated, aimed at the opposition rather than the ruling party.

Stock Crash and Previous Scandals

This is not the first time Adani’s empire has been embroiled in controversy. In 2023, a report by short-seller Hindenburg Research accused Adani Group of stock manipulation and accounting fraud. The report caused a $150 billion loss in market value for the conglomerate, although Adani denied the allegations, claiming they were part of a plot to damage his reputation.

Despite the setbacks, Adani Group has continued its rapid expansion, particularly in capital-intensive sectors. However, concerns over the company’s financial health persist, with warnings about its significant debt levels.

A History of Controversy and Power

Born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Gautam Adani rose from humble beginnings, leaving school at 16 and later building a sprawling business empire. However, his close ties to Modi’s government and the mounting legal and financial challenges surrounding his conglomerate have put him at the center of a growing storm of controversy.

As the legal battle unfolds, the future of both Adani and his massive business empire remains uncertain.