Who is ‘Foreign Official #1’ in Adani Bribery Case?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Adani Group allegedly paid ₹2,029 crore in bribes between 2020-2024.
2. ₹1,750 crore went to ‘Foreign Official #1’, a high-ranking Andhra Pradesh official.
3. The bribes aimed to secure solar power contracts.
4. Adani allegedly met ‘Foreign Official #1’ multiple times in 2021.
5. The Adani Group has denied the allegations, calling them baseless.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The US indictment accuses Gautam Adani of paying ₹2,029 crore in bribes to Indian officials for securing solar power contracts. Of this, ₹1,750 crore allegedly went to ‘Foreign Official #1’, whose identity remains undisclosed.

Who is ‘Foreign Official #1’?

‘Foreign Official #1’ is described as a high-ranking Andhra Pradesh government official serving from May 2019 to June 2024. In 2020, Adani Green Energy secured a contract for 12 gigawatts of solar power. To sustain the deal, Adani allegedly resorted to bribing government officials.

Purpose of Bribes

In 2021, ₹1,750 crore was paid to ensure Andhra Pradesh’s DISCOMs purchased power from SECI. This resulted in SECI securing its largest contract for 7 gigawatts of solar energy.

Political Context

At the time, the YSR Congress led by Jagan Mohan Reddy was in power. In the 2024 elections, Chandrababu Naidu returned to power through an alliance with BJP and Jana Sena.

Adani’s Response

The Adani Group has dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and plans to take legal action.

Key Takeaways to Remember

• ₹2,029 crore bribery case involving Adani Group.
• ₹1,750 crore allegedly paid to ‘Foreign Official #1’.
• SECI secured a 7 GW solar contract.
• Adani Group denies allegations.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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