Influential Republican lawmaker Lance Gooden has challenged the Biden administration’s decision to investigate billionaire Gautam Adani’s companies, saying such selective actions threaten the country’s important allies. In a strongly worded letter to US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, he asked why the Justice Department is selective in prosecuting foreign entities. The department should focus on punishing bad actors domestically rather than chasing rumors abroad, he said in the letter.
Adani Group had earlier rejected the allegations as baseless.
full Text:
Honorable Merrick B. Garland
Attorney General
US Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20530
Dear Attorney General Garland,
I am writing to inquire about the recent selective prosecution of cases against foreign entities by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which could place irreparable strain on America’s global alliances.
As our country enters a new era under President Trump, Americans hope it will mark a revival of prosperity, growth, economic recovery, and political freedom. A critical factor in our quest to revive our nation’s prosperity includes the ability and freedom of potential investors to do business in America. While completely deferring to the public outcry about rising violent crimes at home, the DOJ is launching new campaigns to target businesses for perceived injustices abroad. One such example is the recent prosecution of executives of an Indian company for alleged acts committed in India before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in United States v. Adani (Adani case).1
The allegations in the Adani case, even if proven true, will still fail to make us the proper and final arbiters on this issue. These “bribes” were allegedly paid by Indian officials of an Indian company to Indian state government officials in India, with no substantial involvement or harm to any American party. Conversely, according to an earlier DOJ indictment, executives of Smartmatic, a U.S. company responsible for running our elections, allegedly laundered money and paid bribes to foreign governments. However, despite several efforts by my colleagues and I to address our concerns before the elections, we were never briefed by your department.
Keeping in mind the highly selective nature of these actions, I would like to understand the wisdom guiding some of the decisions associated with the Adani case:
Q.1. If the case involves significant collusion with the United States, why has the DOJ not convicted a single American? Were no Americans involved in this alleged plan?
Q.2. Why has the DOJ pursued this case against Gautam Adani when the alleged criminal acts and the parties allegedly involved are in India? Do you want to enforce justice in India?
Q.3. Will the DOJ seek the extradition of Indian officials involved in this case?
Q.4. What is the DOJ’s contingency plan if India refuses to comply with the extradition request and claims sole jurisdiction over the case?
Q.5. Is the DOJ or the Biden administration willing to turn this case into an international incident between the United States and an ally like India?
These questions are also here to remind you of the possible consequences of these actions. As one of the world’s fastest growing and largest economies, India is one of the United States’ few reliable partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Such reckless actions against its top industrialists could start a damaging story against India’s growth. Not respecting India’s authority on this matter could strain and even permanently damage our international relations with our strategically important and key economic and political ally. At this time, the best and only appropriate course of action would be to allow the Indian authorities to investigate, determine any injuries, and decide on the case rather than jumping to premature conclusions. It would also be wise to pursue cases where the Department is confident that we have appropriate and adjudicatory jurisdiction in addition to making a serious effort to win.
Targeting institutions that invest billions of dollars and create thousands of jobs for Americans will only hurt us in the long run. When we abandon the real threats posed by violent crime, economic espionage, and CCP influence and go after those who contribute to our economic growth, it will attract valuable new investors hoping to invest in our country. Discourages. An unwelcoming and politically charged environment for investors will only hinder efforts to revive America’s industrial base and economic growth, directly undermining President Trump’s commitment to revive the economy with increased investment. Given that the timing of these decisions coincides with the end of the Biden administration, concerns arise that the only real goal here is disruption for President Trump.
Instead of spending valuable taxpayer resources on lengthy, and perhaps politically motivated, activities in foreign countries thousands of miles away, the Department should collaborate with the incoming Administration to better serve the American people. As a party in the outgoing administration, it is your duty to the public to avoid creating further complications that could compromise America’s geopolitical superiority.
In addition to the above questions, please also indicate whether there has been any communication or interaction between the Department of Justice (including any of its agents, subsidiaries, instrumentalities or authorized representatives) and any third party or agent represented in connection with the Adani case . Any third party that acts in conjunction with, for, or in conjunction with any entity partially owned or controlled by George Soros.
I expect your full and complete cooperation in this matter and request the DOJ to respond to this letter promptly and appropriately before January 31, 2025.
sincerely,
lance hoodon
members of congress
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