Full Breakdown
$10 B Investment Offer to Drop Adani Fraud Charges Rejected by DOJ
8/13/2026, 4:28:23 AM
Core Event
Defense attorneys for Indian billionaire Gautam Adani proposed that the United States Department of Justice dismiss criminal fraud and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) charges in exchange for a $10 billion investment in the United States. The proposal was presented in writing to Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, who rejected it via email, as recorded in a ruling by Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the Eastern District of New York. The judge ordered the DOJ to justify any further dismissals, noting that the indictment aligns with Attorney General Todd Blanche’s FCPA guidance.
Background & Context
Adani and affiliated entities were indicted in 2024 on investor-fraud and FCPA allegations. Shortly after former President Donald Trump’s election, Adani publicly praised Trump and announced a pledge to invest $10 billion in “Trump’s America.” Adani’s lawyers later cited that pledge, arguing that the criminal case impeded the promised investment, and used it as the basis for the $10 billion offer to the DOJ.
Key Figures
- Gautam Adani – Indian billionaire, defendant in the fraud and FCPA indictment.
- Andrew Weissmann – Former DOJ prosecutor and former head of the fraud section, commentator on the case.
- Nicholas Garaufis – U.S. District Judge overseeing the indictment.
- Joseph Nocella – Brooklyn U.S. Attorney who rejected the investment offer.
- Todd Blanche – Attorney General whose FCPA memo was referenced in the judge’s order.
- Robert Giuffra Jr. – Lawyer from Sullivan & Cromwell who also represents Donald Trump personally.
Official Statements & Responses
In his email, U.S. Attorney Nocella stated that the proposed $10 billion investment would not be sufficient grounds to drop the case. The indictment itself was noted to match Attorney General Blanche’s FCPA memorandum, underscoring the administration’s stance on foreign-corrupt-practice enforcement.
