ASIATODAY.ID, WASHINGTON — Indian billionaire Gautam Adani is facing escalating legal pressure from the United States, after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sought court approval to serve legal summons via email, citing India’s refusal to cooperate with formal service requests.
The move is linked to allegations of a $265 million bribery scheme and claims that Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, misled US investors during an international bond offering.
In court filings, the SEC said it had twice asked India’s Ministry of Law and Justice to assist in serving the summons but was unsuccessful.
The regulator told a New York court it “does not expect service to be completed” through existing diplomatic channels and therefore requested permission to proceed electronically.
Bribery and Investor Fraud Allegations
The case centers on accusations that the Adani executives paid bribes to secure power supply contracts in India. US authorities also allege the group provided misleading information to American investors while raising funds in the US capital markets.
Adani Group has denied all allegations and said it would pursue “all possible legal remedies” to defend itself.
India Distances Itself
In November 2024, India’s law ministry described the matter as a legal dispute between private entities and the United States, signaling New Delhi’s reluctance to formally intervene.
Mounting US Scrutiny
The SEC action comes amid broader US scrutiny of the conglomerate. In June 2025, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) launched a separate investigation into alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran.
That probe reportedly focuses on suspected imports of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) into India through Mundra Port in Gujarat, operated by the Adani Group.
If approved, the SEC’s request to serve summons by email could set a new precedent in cross-border financial enforcement, underscoring Washington’s growing willingness to pursue high-profile foreign executives accused of misconduct in US markets. (RT)
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