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Judge grants DOJ's request to dismiss charges against billionaire Adani, but sharply criticizes DOJ officials
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal judge dismissed criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and some co-defendants, but refused to dismiss two counts against five others, citing insufficient justification from the Justice Department.
- Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis sharply criticized Trent McCotter, the associate deputy attorney general responsible for seeking dismissal, for bypassing input from FBI, SEC, and career prosecutors and collaborating primarily with defense counsel.
- The case, alleging foreign bribery, originated during the Biden administration and survived a Trump-ordered review before the Justice Department moved to dismiss it after Adani hired high-profile lawyers.
- The judge questioned the government's rationale, rejecting claims of political motivation and inadequate explanations for dismissal, and set an August 31 deadline for further justification regarding the remaining charges.
- Adani welcomed the dismissal, expressing respect for the judicial process and gratitude to supporters, while the Justice Department declined further comment beyond McCotter's submitted letter.
