politics

Judge grants DOJ's request to dismiss charges against billionaire Adani, but sharply criticizes DOJ officials

Updated on: August 10, 2026 / 6:35 PM EDT / CBS News

Judge grants DOJ's request to dismiss charges against billionaire Adani, but sharply criticizes DOJ officials

TL;DR

  • Federal judge dismissed criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani.
  • Judge questioned the Justice Department's reasons for dismissing the case, criticizing a top official's decision.
  • Two counts against five other co-defendants remain, as the Justice Department's justification was deemed insufficient.
  • The judge noted that the decision to dismiss was made in collaboration with defense counsel, bypassing input from investigators.
  • The defense counsel had presented arguments disputing the bribery scheme and suggesting a potential $10 billion investment in the U.S. economy if charges were dropped.
  • The judge rejected the official's accusation that the case was politically motivated by the Biden-era Justice Department.
  • The Justice Department must provide further reasons for dismissing the remaining two counts by August 31.