US Congressman Lance Gooden Warns That Selective Investigation of Adani Officials by DoJ Could Strain India Relations
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New York, Jan 8 (NationPress) Lance Gooden, a Republican representative from Texas, has condemned the Biden Administration's investigation into high-ranking officials of the Adani Group, asserting that such actions could jeopardize relations between the United States and India as well as economic advancement.
In a correspondence addressed to US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, the Congressman emphasized that the Department of Justice (DoJ) ought to concentrate on domestic matters instead of engaging in the “selective prosecution of foreign entities and the potential repercussions this may pose to US global alliances and economic progress”.
“The selective actions taken by the Department of Justice could undermine vital alliances with significant partners such as India, one of America's strongest allies in the Asia-Pacific region. Rather than pursuing cases with dubious jurisdiction and minimal relevance to US interests, the DOJ should prioritize addressing misconduct at home instead of chasing speculative claims abroad,” Gooden articulated in the letter dated January 7.
The Republican representative further remarked that “when we ignore genuine threats from violent crime, economic espionage, and CCP influence while targeting entities that contribute to our economic prosperity, it discourages valuable new investors eager to invest in our nation.”
“Considering that the timing of these decisions coincides with the conclusion of the Biden administration, there are concerns that the underlying intention is merely to disrupt the incoming administration of President Trump,” Gooden noted.
“As a part of the outgoing administration, it is imperative that you act in the public's interest and avoid creating further complications that could threaten America's geopolitical standing,” Gooden added.
This correspondence arrives just before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
“In total disregard of public concern regarding the surge in violent crime domestically, the DOJ appears to be embarking on new ventures to target businesses for alleged wrongdoings overseas,” he further pointed out, questioning why the DOJ has not prosecuted an American if the case has a significant connection to the United States.
Numerous senior diplomats and prominent figures have criticized the DoJ's actions against the Adani Group.
Former Minister of Climate and Environment in Norway, Erik Solheim, described the indictment of Adani Group officials as a “complete American overreach”.
Meanwhile, Breon Peace, the US Attorney who filed charges against Adani Group officials, has reportedly announced his resignation effective January 10.
In November, the DoJ indicted Adani Group officials on various allegations including securities fraud and wire fraud.
The Group has strongly denied the accusations, labeling them as “malicious, mischievous, and manipulative interpretations of publicly accessible information” leading to “predetermined conclusions for personal gain, disregarding both facts and the law”.
