Gautam Adani’s Adani Group Under U.S. DOJ Probe for Alleged Iran Sanctions Violation: WSJ

Indian billionaire and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani is reportedly facing a new investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for allegedly violating U.S. sanctions on Iran, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal on Monday.

Allegations of Sanctions Evasion via Mundra Port

The DOJ is reportedly probing whether companies within the Adani conglomerate imported Iranian-origin liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) into India through the Mundra Port in Gujarat, which is operated by Adani Ports & SEZ. The U.S. sanctions bar the purchase of Iranian petrochemical products, and violations could attract secondary sanctions for foreign entities.

According to The Wall Street Journal, several tankers have been sailing between the Persian Gulf and Mundra Port since early 2024. Experts cited by the report noted that these vessels showed signs of sanctions evasion, such as manipulating their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)—a system used for tracking a ship’s location and movements. This kind of activity is often associated with vessels attempting to conceal trade routes or cargo origins, especially when involved with sanctioned countries.

Adani Group’s Response

Responding to The Wall Street Journal, an Adani Group spokesperson stated:

> “Adani categorically denies any deliberate engagement in sanctions evasion or trade involving Iranian-origin LPG. Further, we are not aware of any investigation by U.S. authorities on this subject.”

The report mentioned that U.S. prosecutors are specifically looking into whether Adani Enterprises or any associated entities were the recipients of such LPG cargoes. The DOJ is said to be reviewing several tankers allegedly involved in this trade.

Adani Group Denies Allegations of Involvement in Iranian LPG Trade

The Adani Group has firmly denied a report by The Wall Street Journal that alleged its involvement in the trade of Iranian-origin liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In a statement, a company spokesperson called the report “baseless” and said the group had never knowingly engaged in any activity that would violate international sanctions or involve trade with Iran.

The spokesperson also stated that Adani is not aware of any investigation by U.S. authorities related to the matter. Reiterating its commitment to compliance, the group made it clear that, as a matter of policy, no Iranian cargo is handled at any of its ports.

Adani emphasized that it conducts all its business operations in line with the law and international trade norms.

U.S. Sanctions and Historical Context

The U.S. has maintained strict sanctions against Iran, especially targeting its petroleum and petrochemical exports. In 2019, then-U.S. President Donald Trump warned that any country or company purchasing Iranian oil or related products would be subject to secondary sanctions, regardless of where the transaction takes place.

As of now, neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn has officially confirmed or commented on the reported investigation.

Industry Watchers on High Alert

The report has triggered a wave of scrutiny, especially given the global attention on compliance with U.S. sanctions. If confirmed, the probe could have broader implications for India’s energy imports and the operations of private port operators in the region.