On Saturday, the Indian National Congress retorted to the latest statement by the Ministry of External Affairs on the US investigations over alleged bribery and fraud charges against key Adani Group members. The MEA stated that the Government of India was not part of the probe into Adani Green Energy and its directors in any manner, inviting a response from Congress, asking how it can be a part of a probe into itself.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in the Government’s first official statement on the US indiction reaction, said that there has not been any communication regarding cooperation from US lawmakers or entities. This triggered a response from the opposition.
“The MEA spokesperson says that the Indian Government is not part of the US probe into the Adani Group. He has simply stated the obvious,” remarked Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. “How can this Government be part of a probe into itself?”
The MEA also stated that the indictment of industrialist Gautam Adani and others was a “legal matter” involving “private firms”, individuals and the US Department of Justice (DoJ). It also mentioned that the Centre was not given a heads-up about the case.
“We see this as a legal matter involving private firms and individuals and the US Department of Justice. Obviously, there are established procedures and legal avenues in such cases, which we believe would be followed,” added Jaiswal. “We have not had any conversation with the US government on it.”
On Wednesday, Adani Green Energy released an official statement denying any violations under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). However, it also confirmed that the directors were charged on “three counts in the criminal indictment” including “alleged securities fraud conspiracy, alleged wire fraud conspiracy, and alleged securities fraud.”
Government says ‘private entities’, US says ‘government’ bodies
The indictment against industralist Gautam Adani and eight others—including his nephew Sagar Adani—was unsealed last week in the US District Court in the Eastern District of New York. The US DoJ indicted Adani and the other key members for allegedly tricking investors by bribing Indian officials to secure solar energy projects for Adani Green Energy.
In an official statement, US Deputy Assistant Attorney General Lisa H Miller clearly states that the indictment involves “schemes to pay over USD 250 million in bribes to Indian government officials, to lie to investors and banks to raise billions of dollars, and to obstruct justice.”
This was in line with the official statement by investigating agencies too. “Gautam S. Adani and seven other business executives allegedly bribed the Indian government to finance lucrative contracts designed to benefit their businesses,” said James Dennehy, FBI assistant director-in-charge.
