Reports have surfaced alleging that Boris Epshteyn, a prominent personal lawyer for Donald Trump, played a role in the Adani Group's successful efforts to have a significant fraud case dropped by the US Justice Department. Both Adani Group and Epshteyn have emphatically denied these claims.
The controversy emerged following the US Justice Department's decision to dismiss a 2024 fraud case against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and seven other executives. This case involved accusations of a scheme to pay over $250 million in bribes to Indian state officials for solar power contracts. Prosecutors had previously alleged Adani personally met an Indian official multiple times to advance the purported scheme.
Allegations of Epshteyn's Involvement
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Boris Epshteyn was identified as a "key player" who allegedly joined Adani's team to influence the outcome. The report suggested that the Adani family had inquired about Epshteyn's connections within the Trump administration and had reportedly told others that he was assisting them.
However, official statements from both sides refute these allegations. A spokesperson for the Adani Group stated, "We have no relationship with Boris Epshteyn, have not retained him in any capacity, and have made no payments to him, directly or indirectly." They confirmed retaining Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, a white-shoe law firm known for representing Trump, for the defense. Epshteyn himself dismissed the claims as "false, malicious, and defamatory," asserting he was never hired by or maintained any relationship with Adani or his company. Sullivan & Cromwell also denied hiring Epshteyn in their representation of Adani.
The Case and its Dismissal
Initially, Adani's defense was handled by multiple law firms, including Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, and Kirkland & Ellis. These lawyers argued to federal prosecutors in Brooklyn that the charges should be dropped, citing potential harm to India-US relations and Adani's US investments, and questioning the reach of US laws in the matter. These arguments did not initially sway the prosecution or senior Justice Department officials.
Sullivan & Cromwell took over the defense in July of the preceding year. Following two meetings with lawyers from Sullivan & Cromwell, Justice Department officials approached a judge to request the dismissal of charges against Adani and other defendants. The WSJ report noted that Epshteyn's alleged presence was discussed internally within the Justice Department, despite his name not appearing on legal papers or his attendance at meetings with prosecutors.
Who is Boris Epshteyn?
Boris Epshteyn serves as an adviser and legal coordinator for Donald Trump, having worked with him for about a decade, including during the 2016 presidential campaign. He is widely regarded as an influential figure capable of impacting careers, reportedly assisting many DOJ officials in securing their positions, including Trent McCotter, a senior department official who held final authority over the Adani case dismissal. A DOJ spokesperson, however, stated that Epshteyn had no role in McCotter’s hiring.
Epshteyn is known for his frequent visits to the White House and appearances at Trump’s private clubs, and he was reportedly instrumental in the dismissal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier this year. Beyond his legal advisory role, Epshteyn is also said to act as a connector for clients and businesses with the Trump administration.