Multiple reports say the US Department of Justice is preparing to drop fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, the richest man in Asia. The alleged timing follows Adani’s decision to hire a new legal team led by Robert J. Giuffra Jr, described in the reports as Donald Trump’s personal lawyer. According to the New York Times and Bloomberg, an April meeting took place at the Justice Department that involved discussions about the case. In those reports, Giuffra is said to have told prosecutors that Adani would make a $10 billion investment in the US economy and create about 15,000 jobs if the fraud charges were dropped.
The Asia Times also reports that the DOJ is working toward ending its case shortly after Adani retained a Trump-linked attorney. It notes that the Justice Department is headed by former Trump attorney Todd Blanche, and frames the reported charge drop as part of ongoing interactions with prosecutors.
The sources describe the charges and related negotiations but do not provide further details on any finalized decision, the full scope of the allegations, or whether the proposed withdrawal has been confirmed by the DOJ.
