The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has informed a federal court in New York that it is still awaiting delivery of summons to billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, nearly six months after requesting assistance through official channels.In a status report filed on August 11, 2025&nbsp;and obtained by WION, SEC attorney Christopher M. Colorado&nbsp;wrote that the defendants are “located in India and the SEC’s efforts to serve them are ongoing, including a request for assistance from Indian authorities to effect service under the Hague Service Convention.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-applauds-pakistan-s-successes-to-contain-terrorism-us-lauds-pakistan-s-crackdown-on-terrorist-entities-extends-condolences-over-attacks-1755036078768">'US applauds Pakistan’s successes to contain terrorism': US lauds Pakistan’s crackdown on 'terrorist entities'; extends condolences over attacks</a>The summons stems from a November 20, 2024 complaint&nbsp;accusing the Adanis of violating U.S. federal securities laws by making “false and misleading representations” about Adani Green Energy Ltd.&nbsp;during a September 2021 debt offering. The SEC alleges that these misrepresentations were part of a broader scheme that also involved bribery and fraud.According to the filing, service in India is governed by Rule 4(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which allows for “any internationally agreed means reasonably calculated to give notice, such as the Hague Service Convention.” The SEC says it has:<ul><li>Sent Notices of Lawsuit and Requests for Waiver of Service of Summons, including the complaint, directly to the defendants and their counsel.</li><li>Communicated with India’s Ministry of Law &amp; Justice&nbsp;under Article 5(a) of the Hague Convention.</li></ul>However, the Commission acknowledged that “those authorities have not yet effected service.”The case, officially titled SEC v. Adani, et al. is before Magistrate Judge James R. Cho&nbsp;in the Eastern District of New York. On Tuesday, Judge Cho ordered the SEC to file its next update by October 13, 2025.Legal experts say delays in serving defendants abroad are common, but in high-profile matters like this one, the holdup has wider implications. Without proper service, the case can’t move forward to discovery or trial.The Adani Group has consistently denied wrongdoing in response to U.S. allegations, calling them “false” and “baseless” in earlier statements.The SEC’s latest update suggests it will continue pressing Indian authorities until service is completed. “The SEC intends to continue communicating with the India MoLJ and pursue service … and will keep the Court apprised of its efforts,” the filing said.For now, the case remains stalled, a procedural limbo that underscores the complexity, and at times fragility, of cross-border enforcement when powerful business and political interests are at stake.

The summons stems from a November 20, 2024 complaint accusing the Adanis of violating U.S. federal securities laws by making “false and misleading representations” about Adani Green Energy Ltd. during a September 2021 debt offering.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has informed a federal court in New York that it is still awaiting delivery of summons to billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, nearly six months after requesting assistance through official channels. In a status report filed on August 11, 2025 and obtained by WION, SEC attorney Christopher M. Colorado wrote that the defendants are “located in India and the SEC’s efforts to serve them are ongoing, including a request for assistance from Indian authorities to effect service under the Hague Service Convention.” Also read: 'US applauds Pakistan’s successes to contain terrorism': US lauds Pakistan’s crackdown on 'terrorist entities'; extends condolences over attacks The summons stems from a November 20, 2024 complaint accusing the Adanis of violating U.S. federal securities laws by making “false and misleading representations” about Adani Green Energy Ltd. during a September 2021 debt offering. The SEC alleges that these misrepresentations were part of a broader scheme that also involved bribery and fraud. According to the filing, service in India is governed by Rule 4(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which allows for “any internationally agreed means reasonably calculated to give notice, such as the Hague Service Convention.” The SEC says it has: Sent Notices of Lawsuit and Requests for Waiver of Service of Summons, including the complaint, directly to the defendants and their counsel. Communicated with India’s Ministry of Law & Justice under Article 5(a) of the Hague Convention. However, the Commission acknowledged that “those authorities have not yet effected service.” The case, officially titled SEC v. Adani, et al. is before Magistrate Judge James R. Cho in the Eastern District of New York. On Tuesday, Judge Cho ordered the SEC to file its next update by October 13, 2025. Legal experts say delays in serving defendants abroad are common, but in high-profile matters like this one, the holdup has wider implications. Without proper service, the case can’t move forward to discovery or trial. The Adani Group has consistently denied wrongdoing in response to U.S. allegations, calling them “false” and “baseless” in earlier statements. The SEC’s latest update suggests it will continue pressing Indian authorities until service is completed. “The SEC intends to continue communicating with the India MoLJ and pursue service … and will keep the Court apprised of its efforts,” the filing said. For now, the case remains stalled, a procedural limbo that underscores the complexity, and at times fragility, of cross-border enforcement when powerful business and political interests are at stake.

The summons stems from a November 20, 2024 complaint&nbsp;accusing the Adanis of violating U.S. federal securities laws by making “false and misleading representations” about Adani Green Energy Ltd.&nbsp;during a September 2021 debt offering.

US SEC still unable to serve summons to Gautam Adani in bribery and securities fraud case

The US SEC, which served notices to Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani, will have to serve the summons through proper diplomatic channels as it has no jurisdiction to summon a foreign national directly, news agency PTI reported citing sources.

The US SEC, which served notices to Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani, will have to serve the summons through proper diplomatic channels as it has no jurisdiction to summon a foreign national directly, news agency PTI reported citing sources. The SEC seeks clarification from Adanis regarding allegations of bribery to secure profitable solar power contracts. However, two sources familiar with the matter told PTI that the request will have to follow the established protocol, including routing it through the Indian Embassy in the United States and complying with other diplomatic formalities. Earlier PTI reported that Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, and his nephew Sagar Adani have been summoned to address allegations by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accusing them of paying $265 million (Rs 2,200 crore) in bribes to state government officials in India to secure solar power contracts. Summons were delivered to their Ahmedabad residences, requiring a response within 21 days, PTI reported, citing a notice issued on November 21 by the New York Eastern District Court. The notice warns that if the Adanis fail to respond in time, a default judgment will be issued against them. "Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it)... you must serve on the plaintiff (SEC) an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure," said the US SEC notice of November 21 notice being set through New York Eastern District Court. Also read: After Maharashtra victory, PM Modi urges youth to enter politics It adds, “If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court.” As per the allegations levelled against Gautam Adani, 62, and seven others, including his nephew Sagar Adani, a director at Adani Green Energy Ltd., they paid $265 million in bribes to Indian government officials between 2020 and 2024 to secure solar energy contracts. The contracts were expected to yield $2 billion in profits over 20 years, as per an indictment unsealed in a New York court. In addition to the US Department of Justice indictment, the SEC has also charged Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Cyril Cabanes, an executive at Azure Power Global, for their roles in what it described as a “conduct arising out of a massive bribery scheme.” The Adani Group has rejected all allegations and said it will pursue legal options. In a statement, the group said, “The Adani Group has always upheld and is steadfastly committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions of its operations. We assure our stakeholders, partners, and employees that we are a law-abiding organisation fully compliant with all laws." (With inputs from agencies)

Adani bribery case: US SEC has no jurisdiction to summon foreigners, says report

Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and several executives of Indian firms Adani Green Energy and Azure Power have been charged in the US over an alleged bribery scheme.

They allegedly bribed, or promised bribes to, officials in India for lucrative renewable energy contracts.

But if the indictment charges are related to their alleged actions within India, why are they charged in the US? Or more specifically, can they be indicted in the US?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/adani-bribery-case-allegations-made-by-us-prosecutors-are-baseless-denied-adani-group-777976">Also read: Adani bribery case | Allegations made by US prosecutors are baseless, denied: Adani Group</a> 
&nbsp;

In the interconnected world of global business, an action a company take in its home base country can expose it to US scrutiny and punitive actions as long as American markets, investors and other stakeholders&nbsp;are impacted or involved. Action can apply if the company or its subsidiaries trade in US stock exchanges, has US operations even if board members and executives&nbsp;are based in foreign countries, or raise funds through venture capital, bonds or loans.

Broadly speaking, anything that violates US securities laws, and its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is fair game even if the companies and people involved are not US residents or citizens.

WATCH: Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani Charged By US Over Alleged $250 Million Bribe Plot 
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In Adani's case, there are several causes that make the US law extend its arms to something that appears prima facie not within its jurisdiction.

One is the alleged obstruction of justice in the US. Two, the alleged lying to US officials. Three, the accused having served in some capacity in companies trading in the US stock markets. And four, the company raised capital - through investments or bond issues- in the American markets on schemes that are allegedly tainted by corruption.&nbsp;

All these have been alleged, though not proven.&nbsp;

A broad picture emerges in the nature of charges from the parallel probe opened by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the US market regulator.

In order to understand that probe, it's important you know about Azure Power. The solar power company, founded in New Delhi, had raised investment capital in the US in the past years and trades on the New York Stock Exchange.&nbsp;

The SEC said in a release that Adani Green’s note offering had raised $175 million from US investors even as the alleged bribery scheme was ongoing.

A note offering is a sale of a variety of debt securities, wherein companies raise investments through loans or corporate bonds.

<h2>What the SEC chargesheet says about Adani Green and Azure power officials</h2>

SEC, in a release, said it charged Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani as well as Cyril Cabanes, an executive of Azure Power Global Ltd., for conduct arising out of the bribery scheme.&nbsp;

It claimed the scheme was orchestrated to enable the two renewable energy companies 'to capitalise on a multi-billion-dollar solar energy project awarded to the companies by the Indian government.'&nbsp;

Even as the bribes were being paid, Adani Green raised more than $175 million from US investors.&nbsp;Azure Power’s stock was trading on the New York Stock Exchange too.&nbsp;This is how it becomes an issue that the US can prosecute.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gautam-adani-indicted-in-us-over-multimillion-dollar-bribery-what-are-the-charges-what-you-should-know-777917">Also read: Gautam Adani indicted in US over multimillion dollar bribery: What are the charges? What you should know</a> 
&nbsp;

The SEC said it has taken two actions against Adani and Azure.

In one, it charged Gautam Adani, who serves as chairman of Adani Green’s Board of Directors, and his nephew, Sagar Adani, who is the executive director of Adani Green’s board, "for orchestrating the bribery scheme."

That scheme was for paying or promising hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to the Indian officials "to secure their commitment to purchase energy at above-market rates that would benefit Adani Green and Azure Power".&nbsp;

The SEC alleged that Gautam and Sagar "induced" US investors to buy Adani Green bonds while misrepresenting its compliance on corruption and bribery.

In the documentation related to the note offering, Adani Green made statements about its anti-bribery and anti-corruption efforts. This, the SEC alleged, were "materially false or misleading in light of Gautam and Sagar Adani’s conduct."

The second action involves Cyril Cabanes, a former member of Azure Power’s Board of Directors.

Cabanes has been charged with violating FCPA for his role in the alleged bribery scheme.&nbsp;

SEC charges are seeking a permanent injunction on Cabanes, a civil penalty, and an officer and director bar.&nbsp;

Cabanes allegedly facilitated the authorisation of bribes in furtherance of the scheme while in the United States and abroad.

"Cyril Cabanes participated in the underlying bribery scheme while serving as director of a US public company,” said Sanjay Wadhwa, Acting Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, as quoted by SEC.

“We will continue to vigorously pursue and hold individuals, including senior corporate officers and directors, accountable when they violate our securities laws,” Wadwa added.

The SEC is seeking civil penalties and permanent injunctions on the accused, as well as barring them from holding official and director positions in companies with business in America.

The SEC action is separate from, yet related to, the broader criminal charges filed by the US Justice Department against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, Cyril Cabanes and some other executives linked to the Adani group and Azure power.

For its part, the Adani group called the allegations made in the US "baseless and denied." It noted that the charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, while adding&nbsp;"all possible legal recourse will be sought."

Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and several executives of Indian firms Adani Green Energy and Azure Power have been charged in the US over an alleged bribery scheme.

Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and several executives of Indian firms Adani Green Energy and Azure Power have been charged in the US over an alleged bribery scheme. They allegedly bribed, or promised bribes to, officials in India for lucrative renewable energy contracts. But if the indictment charges are related to their alleged actions within India, why are they charged in the US? Or more specifically, can they be indicted in the US? Also read: Adani bribery case | Allegations made by US prosecutors are baseless, denied: Adani Group In the interconnected world of global business, an action a company take in its home base country can expose it to US scrutiny and punitive actions as long as American markets, investors and other stakeholders are impacted or involved. Action can apply if the company or its subsidiaries trade in US stock exchanges, has US operations even if board members and executives are based in foreign countries, or raise funds through venture capital, bonds or loans. Broadly speaking, anything that violates US securities laws, and its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is fair game even if the companies and people involved are not US residents or citizens. WATCH: Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani Charged By US Over Alleged $250 Million Bribe Plot × In Adani's case, there are several causes that make the US law extend its arms to something that appears prima facie not within its jurisdiction. One is the alleged obstruction of justice in the US. Two, the alleged lying to US officials. Three, the accused having served in some capacity in companies trading in the US stock markets. And four, the company raised capital - through investments or bond issues- in the American markets on schemes that are allegedly tainted by corruption. All these have been alleged, though not proven. A broad picture emerges in the nature of charges from the parallel probe opened by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the US market regulator. In order to understand that probe, it's important you know about Azure Power. The solar power company, founded in New Delhi, had raised investment capital in the US in the past years and trades on the New York Stock Exchange. The SEC said in a release that Adani Green’s note offering had raised $175 million from US investors even as the alleged bribery scheme was ongoing. A note offering is a sale of a variety of debt securities, wherein companies raise investments through loans or corporate bonds. What the SEC chargesheet says about Adani Green and Azure power officials SEC, in a release, said it charged Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani as well as Cyril Cabanes, an executive of Azure Power Global Ltd., for conduct arising out of the bribery scheme. It claimed the scheme was orchestrated to enable the two renewable energy companies 'to capitalise on a multi-billion-dollar solar energy project awarded to the companies by the Indian government.' Even as the bribes were being paid, Adani Green raised more than $175 million from US investors. Azure Power’s stock was trading on the New York Stock Exchange too. This is how it becomes an issue that the US can prosecute. Also read: Gautam Adani indicted in US over multimillion dollar bribery: What are the charges? What you should know The SEC said it has taken two actions against Adani and Azure. In one, it charged Gautam Adani, who serves as chairman of Adani Green’s Board of Directors, and his nephew, Sagar Adani, who is the executive director of Adani Green’s board, "for orchestrating the bribery scheme." That scheme was for paying or promising hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to the Indian officials "to secure their commitment to purchase energy at above-market rates that would benefit Adani Green and Azure Power". The SEC alleged that Gautam and Sagar "induced" US investors to buy Adani Green bonds while misrepresenting its compliance on corruption and bribery. In the documentation related to the note offering, Adani Green made statements about its anti-bribery and anti-corruption efforts. This, the SEC alleged, were "materially false or misleading in light of Gautam and Sagar Adani’s conduct." The second action involves Cyril Cabanes, a former member of Azure Power’s Board of Directors. Cabanes has been charged with violating FCPA for his role in the alleged bribery scheme. SEC charges are seeking a permanent injunction on Cabanes, a civil penalty, and an officer and director bar. Cabanes allegedly facilitated the authorisation of bribes in furtherance of the scheme while in the United States and abroad. "Cyril Cabanes participated in the underlying bribery scheme while serving as director of a US public company,” said Sanjay Wadhwa, Acting Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, as quoted by SEC. “We will continue to vigorously pursue and hold individuals, including senior corporate officers and directors, accountable when they violate our securities laws,” Wadwa added. The SEC is seeking civil penalties and permanent injunctions on the accused, as well as barring them from holding official and director positions in companies with business in America. The SEC action is separate from, yet related to, the broader criminal charges filed by the US Justice Department against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, Cyril Cabanes and some other executives linked to the Adani group and Azure power. For its part, the Adani group called the allegations made in the US "baseless and denied." It noted that the charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, while adding "all possible legal recourse will be sought."

If Adani is accused of bribes in India, why is he being charged in US? What SEC parallel probe says

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US SEC still unable to serve summons to Gautam Adani in bribery and securities fraud case

Adani bribery case: US SEC has no jurisdiction to summon foreigners, says report

If Adani is accused of bribes in India, why is he being charged in US? What SEC parallel probe says