Gautam Adani’s business empire is facing an uncertain future as it lost over $145 billion in market value following allegations of fraud by US short seller Hindenburg Research[6]. The Adani Group, which had already denounced the Hindenburg report as “baseless” and “malicious”[4], is now grappling with the consequences of the accusations, potentially impacting India’s future and the prospects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Hindenburg Research, known for exposing fraud and sending stock prices of targeted companies tumbling[9], accused the Adani Group of stock price manipulation and fraud[7]. The Adani Group has since lost an estimated $85 billion in market value, with Gautam Adani, the group’s chairman and founder, personally losing a significant portion of his wealth[1].
The allegations surfaced on the eve of a major fundraising campaign for the Adani Group, which was aimed at paying off debt and financing expenditures[2]. Despite the challenges, the group completed the $2.5 billion share offer[2].
In response to the Hindenburg report, the Adani Group issued a more than 400-page rebuttal, calling the allegations a lie[11]. The company’s stock prices have suffered, with more than $50 billion wiped off its market value since the report’s publication[12].
The crisis surrounding the Adani Group has ignited fears of financial contagion in India, with ratings agency Moody’s warning that the conglomerate may struggle to raise capital and S&P issuing credit warnings[15]. India’s market regulator is also probing the allegations put forth by Hindenburg Research[13].
As the situation continues to unfold, the financial stability of the Adani Group remains uncertain, and the consequences could have far-reaching effects.