The Republican argued that targeting companies that have invested tens of billions of dollars and created tens of thousands of American jobs will only harm the country in the long run. File | Photo credit: Reuters
Republican lawmakers have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to preserve all records related to the Biden administration’s “selective prosecution” of billionaire businessman Gautam Adani and his group of companies.
The request comes less than a week before President-elect Donald Trump’s administration takes office.
Rep. Lance Gooden, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, wrote in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday (January 14, 2025) that he provided all records and information leading up to the decision to pursue the Adani case. It requested that the document be preserved and submitted to the ministry. group.
In a separate letter to Garland on Jan. 7, Gooden expressed serious concerns about the department’s recent prosecution of the group.
“The indictment alleges conduct that involved Indian citizens and government officials, took place entirely within India, and was not clearly detrimental to U.S. interests,” he said.
“The allegations in the Adani case, even if proven true, will not make us the proper and final arbiter of this matter. “The payments were allegedly made by executives to Indian state government employees in India, and there was no specific involvement or damage to any U.S. officials,” Gooden said.
“Conversely, according to an earlier indictment from the Department of Justice, the American company responsible for conducting elections, Smartmatic, had executives who allegedly laundered money and paid bribes to foreign governments. “Despite multiple attempts by my colleagues to address our concerns before the election, we never received an explanation from your department,” he claimed.
Alleging that the department has been highly selective towards Mr. Adani and his companies, Republican lawmakers posed several new questions to Mr. Garland.
“Why didn’t the Department of Justice indict a single American when this case involved important ties to the United States? Were there no Americans involved in this alleged plot? Criminal activity Why did the Department of Justice pursue this case against Gautam Adani despite suspicions that the parties involved are in India? Are you there?” he asked.
“Will the Department of Justice seek the extradition of the Indian executives involved in this case? If India does not respond to the extradition request and assert sole authority over this case, what contingency plans will the Department have in place?” Is it the Department of Justice or the Department of Justice?” Is the Biden administration planning to escalate this case into an international case between the United States and an ally like India? ” he further asked Mr. Garland.
Gooden said the question was also a reminder of the possible consequences of the administration’s actions.
He said India is one of the few reliable partners for the United States in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as one of the fastest growing and largest economies.
“Such reckless pursuit of top businessmen could start a narrative that is detrimental to India’s growth. Not respecting India’s authority on this issue is of strategic importance and key “It could strain and even permanently damage international relations with economic and political allies,” he added.
“At this point, rather than jumping to premature conclusions, the best and only appropriate course of action would be to leave the investigation to the Indian authorities, determine the extent of the damage, and adjudicate the matter. “Aside from winning the case, it would also be prudent for the department to pursue cases in which it believes it has appropriate and conclusive jurisdiction,” Gooden said in the letter.
The Republican argued that targeting companies that have invested tens of billions of dollars and created tens of thousands of American jobs will only harm the country in the long run.
Gooden said, “Pursuing people who contribute to our economic growth while ignoring the very real threats of violent crime, economic espionage, and the influence of the Chinese Communist Party is a great way to attract valuable new investors who want to invest in our country. It will be a disincentive.” .
“An unwelcoming and politically charged atmosphere for investors will only stall efforts to revitalize America’s industrial base and economic growth, directly undermining President Trump’s pledge to revitalize the economy through increased investment.” “The timing of these decisions coincides with the end of the Biden administration, raising concerns that the only real goal here is to disrupt President Trump,” he added. Ta.
Gooden said that instead of spending precious taxpayer resources launching long-term, “probably politically motivated” operations in foreign countries, the department would work with the incoming administration to better serve the American people. He said they should cooperate.
“As a cog in the outgoing administration, it is our duty to the people to ensure that we do not create further complications that could undermine America’s geopolitical preeminence,” he wrote in a letter to Garland. said.
“There are no communications or negotiations between the Department of Justice (including its agents, subsidiaries, agencies, and authorized representatives) and third parties or agents on behalf of closely affiliated third parties with respect to the Adani matter. Please also report if there is any activity on behalf of or in conjunction with any entity that is partially owned or controlled by George Soros,” Gooden said.
issued – January 15, 2025 8:33 AM IST
