Gautam Adani Hires Top Wall Street Lawyer to Fight SEC Fraud Allegations

India’s second‑richest businessman Gautam Adani has retained a leading Wall Street attorney to handle the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s civil action alleging false statements about Adani Green Energy, as per Bloomberg report. 

Legal representation and SEC filing 

The SEC’s complaint, filed in November 2024, accuses Gautam and his nephew Sagar Adani of violating US securities law. Robert Giuffra Jr., co‑chair of Sullivan & Cromwell, confirmed his role as counsel and indicated willingness to accept service of the lawsuit on behalf of the Adanis. The regulator has asked the court to permit service by email and through other US law firms representing the defendants. 

Impact on Adani group stocks 

Following the SEC’s procedural request, Adani‑related equities fell, erasing nearly $13 billion of combined market value on Jan 23, 2026. The decline reflects investor reaction to the heightened legal exposure, although the underlying business operations remain unchanged. 

Read More: Adani Group Stocks Gain After Clarification of US SEC Summons, States No Allegations Against Company! 

Criminal allegations and international cooperation 

Separate from the civil case, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have charged the Adanis with involvement in a $250 million bribery scheme linked to solar‑power contracts in India.  

Both the criminal and civil matters have been stalled for over a year, with the defendants residing in India. The SEC has reported difficulties obtaining assistance from Indian authorities to serve the summons. 

Government and corporate response 

As per reports, the Adani team is in dialogue with India’s Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of External Affairs to explore possible modifications to the service process. Neither the Adani Group nor its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in the SEC complaint. 

Conclusion 

Gautam Adani’s engagement of a high‑profile US lawyer marks a procedural shift in the SEC’s case, while market reactions have already reflected the legal risk. Ongoing discussions with Indian officials may influence how the lawsuit proceeds. 

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