Preet Bharara: Difference between revisions

The neutral encyclopedia of notable people
Content engine: create biography for Preet Bharara (2825 words)
 
Content engine: create biography for Preet Bharara (3173 words) [update]
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Preet Bharara
| name         = Preet Bharara
| birth_name = Preetinder Singh Bharara
| birth_name   = Preetinder Singh Bharara
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|10|13}}
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1968|10|13}}
| birth_place = [[Firozpur]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India
| birth_place = [[Firozpur]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India
| nationality = American
| nationality = American
| occupation = Attorney, legal commentator, author
| occupation   = Attorney, legal commentator, author
| known_for = U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (2009–2017)
| education    = [[Harvard University]] (BA)<br>[[Columbia University]] (JD)
| education = [[Harvard University]] (BA)<br>[[Columbia University]] (JD)
| known_for   = U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (2009–2017); Wall Street insider trading prosecutions; public corruption cases
| spouse = Dalya Bharara
| title        = Partner, [[WilmerHale]]
| children = 3
| spouse       = Dalya Bharara
| awards = ''Time'' 100 Most Influential People
| children     = 3
| website =
| awards       = ''Time'' 100 Most Influential People; Bloomberg Markets 50 Most Influential
}}
}}


'''Preetinder Singh Bharara''' (born October 13, 1968), known as '''Preet Bharara''', is an Indian-born American attorney, former federal prosecutor, legal commentator, and author who served as the [[United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York]] from 2009 to 2017. Appointed by President [[Barack Obama]], Bharara became one of the most prominent federal prosecutors in the United States, overseeing a broad portfolio of cases that ranged from Wall Street insider trading and securities fraud to organized crime, terrorism, and public corruption. His office prosecuted nearly 100 Wall Street executives, secured convictions against members of four of the Italian Mafia's [[Five Families]], and brought charges against elected officials of both major political parties on corruption charges. Before his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Bharara served as chief counsel to Senator [[Chuck Schumer]] and played a central role in the congressional investigation of the [[Dismissal of U.S. attorneys controversy|2006 dismissal of U.S. attorneys]]. He was dismissed from his position on March 11, 2017, during the administration of President [[Donald Trump]], after refusing to submit his resignation. Since leaving government, Bharara has worked as a legal analyst, podcast host, and author. As of 2025, he is a partner at the law firm [[WilmerHale]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Preet Bharara, Former SDNY US Attorney, Joins WilmerHale |url=https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20220613-preet-bharara-former-sdny-us-attorney-joins-wilmerhale |publisher=WilmerHale |date=June 13, 2022 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
'''Preetinder Singh Bharara''' (born October 13, 1968), known as '''Preet Bharara''', is an Indian-born American attorney and former federal prosecutor who served as the [[United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York]] from 2009 to 2017. Appointed by President [[Barack Obama]], Bharara oversaw one of the most consequential tenures in the history of that office, directing prosecutions that spanned [[Wall Street]] insider trading, organized crime, terrorism, and public corruption. His office secured convictions against nearly 100 Wall Street executives for insider trading and securities fraud, prosecuted members of four of the [[Five Families]] of the Italian-American [[Mafia]], and brought corruption charges against prominent elected officials of both major political parties.<ref name="time">{{cite web |title=TIME Magazine Cover: Preet Bharara |url=http://www.time.com/time/covers/europe/0,16641,20120213,00.html |publisher=Time Inc. |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="wnyc">{{cite news |title=Preet Bharara: Hard-Charging, Humble Prosecutor |url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/jan/27/preet-bharara-hard-charging-humble-prosecutor/ |work=WNYC |date=2011-01-27 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Before his appointment, Bharara served as chief counsel to U.S. Senator [[Chuck Schumer]], where he played a central role in investigating the [[Dismissal of U.S. attorneys controversy|2006 dismissal of U.S. attorneys]] by the [[George W. Bush administration]]. On March 11, 2017, during the administration of President [[Donald Trump]], Bharara was dismissed from his position after refusing to submit his resignation. Since leaving government, he has become a prominent legal commentator through his podcast ''Stay Tuned with Preet'' and, as of 2022, serves as a partner at the law firm [[WilmerHale]].<ref name="wilmerhale">{{cite web |title=Preet Bharara, Former SDNY US Attorney, Joins WilmerHale |url=https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20220613-preet-bharara-former-sdny-us-attorney-joins-wilmerhale |publisher=WilmerHale |date=2022-06-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Preetinder Singh Bharara was born on October 13, 1968, in [[Firozpur]], a city in the [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] state of India. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a young child, and he grew up in the suburbs of [[New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Preet Bharara: Hard-Charging, Humble Prosecutor |url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/jan/27/preet-bharara-hard-charging-humble-prosecutor/ |publisher=WNYC |date=January 27, 2011 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Bharara was raised in a [[Sikh]] family of Indian heritage. His upbringing in the United States shaped his identity as an immigrant who would later rise to one of the most powerful law enforcement positions in the country.
Preetinder Singh Bharara was born on October 13, 1968, in [[Firozpur]], a city in the state of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India. His family is of [[Sikh]] [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] heritage. The Bharara family immigrated to the United States when Preet was a young child, settling in the state of [[New Jersey]], where he was raised.<ref name="economic_times">{{cite news |title=Preet Bharara, the new top federal prosecutor, zeroes in on white-collar crime |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/Preet-Bharara-the-new-top-federal-prosecutor-zeroes-in-on-white-collar-crime/articleshow/5141088.cms |work=The Economic Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His upbringing in the immigrant community of New Jersey informed his perspective on public service and the American legal system. Details about his parents' occupations and the circumstances of their immigration are limited in publicly available records, though his trajectory from an immigrant family to one of the most prominent federal prosecutors in the country became a recurring theme in media profiles of Bharara throughout his career.<ref name="wnyc" />


Bharara has spoken publicly about the experience of growing up as an Indian American and about his attachment to the United States as his adopted country. In a 2025 interview with ''The San Francisco Standard'', he expressed his love for America and reflected on the immigrant experience that informed his career in public service.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trump fired him, but Preet Bharara is still defending the country he loves |url=https://sfstandard.com/life-in-seven-songs/2025/11/04/life-in-seven-songs-podcast-preet-bharara/ |work=The San Francisco Standard |date=November 4, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His personal background as a naturalized citizen who rose through the ranks of the American legal system became a recurring theme in media profiles throughout his career.
Bharara grew up in a household that placed a high value on education, and he distinguished himself academically from a young age. He attended public schools in New Jersey before pursuing higher education at some of the country's most prestigious institutions. His Indian-American background and immigrant upbringing were subjects he addressed publicly on multiple occasions during his tenure as U.S. Attorney, particularly in the context of cases involving international diplomacy and cross-border investigations.<ref name="rediff">{{cite web |title=Preet Bharara is India Abroad Person of the Year 2011 |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-preet-bharara-is-india-abroad-person-of-the-year-2011/20120630.htm |publisher=Rediff.com |date=2012-06-30 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Education ==
== Education ==


Bharara attended [[Harvard University]], where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He subsequently enrolled at [[Columbia Law School]], where he obtained his [[Juris Doctor]] (JD) degree.<ref name="economictimes">{{cite news |title=Preet Bharara, the new top federal prosecutor, zeroes in on white-collar crime |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/Preet-Bharara-the-new-top-federal-prosecutor-zeroes-in-on-white-collar-crime/articleshow/5141088.cms |work=The Economic Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His Ivy League education provided the foundation for a legal career that would span private practice, government service, and ultimately one of the most consequential federal prosecutor positions in the country. In May 2024, Bharara was selected as the commencement speaker for the [[Drexel University]] Kline School of Law graduation ceremony, reflecting the esteem in which he is held within the legal education community.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Partner at WilmerHale Preet Bharara Will Address Drexel Kline School of Law Graduates at Commencement |url=https://drexel.edu/news/archive/2024/May/Drexel-Kline-commencement-2024 |publisher=Drexel University |date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Bharara attended [[Harvard University]] for his undergraduate studies, where he earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree. He subsequently enrolled at [[Columbia Law School]] at [[Columbia University]] in [[New York City]], where he earned his [[Juris Doctor]] (JD) degree.<ref name="economic_times" /><ref name="drexel">{{cite web |title=Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Partner at WilmerHale Preet Bharara Will Address Drexel Kline School of Law Graduates at Commencement |url=https://drexel.edu/news/archive/2024/May/Drexel-Kline-commencement-2024 |publisher=Drexel University |date=2024-05-16 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His legal education at Columbia provided a foundation for a career that would be defined by complex federal litigation, securities law, and public corruption cases. The combination of his Harvard undergraduate degree and Columbia legal training placed him among a cohort of elite-educated attorneys who rose to prominence in federal law enforcement during the early 21st century.


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Early Legal Career and Private Practice ===
=== Early Legal Career and Assistant U.S. Attorney ===


After completing his legal education at Columbia Law School, Bharara entered private practice as an attorney. He worked in the private sector before transitioning to federal prosecution, a move that would define the trajectory of his career.<ref name="economictimes" />
After completing his legal education, Bharara initially worked as an attorney in private practice. He transitioned to public service when he joined the [[United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York]] as an [[assistant United States attorney]], a position he held from 2000 to 2005.<ref name="economic_times" /> In this role, he gained direct experience prosecuting federal cases in one of the most active and high-profile federal districts in the country. The Southern District of New York, headquartered in [[Manhattan]], has long been considered the premier U.S. Attorney's office in the nation due to its jurisdiction over [[Wall Street]], the headquarters of major financial institutions, and a dense concentration of potential federal criminal activity.


=== Assistant U.S. Attorney (2000–2005) ===
During his time as an assistant U.S. attorney, Bharara developed expertise in complex criminal investigations and trial work that would later define his tenure as the district's chief federal prosecutor. His years as a line prosecutor gave him an intimate understanding of the office's culture and capabilities.<ref name="wnyc" />


From 2000 to 2005, Bharara served as an assistant U.S. attorney, gaining experience in federal prosecution that would prove instrumental in his later role as the chief federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York. During this period, he developed expertise in criminal law and federal prosecution procedures that formed the basis of his later approach to high-profile cases.<ref name="wnyc">{{cite web |title=Preet Bharara: Hard-Charging, Humble Prosecutor |url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/jan/27/preet-bharara-hard-charging-humble-prosecutor/ |publisher=WNYC |date=January 27, 2011 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Chief Counsel to Senator Chuck Schumer ===


=== Chief Counsel to Senator Schumer (2005–2009) ===
In 2005, Bharara left the U.S. Attorney's office to join the staff of U.S. Senator [[Chuck Schumer]] of New York, serving as the senator's chief counsel. In this capacity, Bharara played a central role in one of the major political controversies of the [[George W. Bush administration]]: the investigation into the [[Dismissal of U.S. attorneys controversy|2006 dismissal of U.S. attorneys]]. The controversy involved the firing of several U.S. attorneys by the [[Department of Justice]] under [[Attorney General]] [[Alberto Gonzales]], which critics alleged was politically motivated. Bharara's involvement in Schumer's investigation of the matter raised his profile considerably within Washington legal and political circles and positioned him as a candidate for a senior prosecutorial appointment under a future administration.<ref name="economic_times" />


In 2005, Bharara joined the staff of Senator [[Chuck Schumer]] of New York as chief counsel. In this role, Bharara was heavily involved in Schumer's investigation of the [[Dismissal of U.S. attorneys controversy|2006 dismissal of U.S. attorneys]] by the [[George W. Bush administration]], a political scandal that involved the firing of several U.S. attorneys who were alleged to have been dismissed for political reasons. Bharara's work on this investigation raised his profile in Washington legal and political circles and positioned him as a candidate for a senior prosecutorial role in the incoming Obama administration.<ref name="wnyc" />
Bharara served in Schumer's office from 2005 to 2009, a period that coincided with significant shifts in the American political landscape, including the [[2008 financial crisis]] and the election of President Barack Obama. His work on Capitol Hill gave him experience at the intersection of law and politics that would inform his approach to high-profile prosecutions.


=== U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (2009–2017) ===
=== U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York ===


In 2009, President [[Barack Obama]] nominated Bharara to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the [[Southern District of New York]] (SDNY), one of the most prominent and powerful federal prosecutor positions in the United States. He assumed office on August 13, 2009, succeeding [[Michael J. Garcia]].<ref name="economictimes" /> The Southern District of New York, often referred to as the "Sovereign District of New York" due to its historically independent posture, encompasses [[Manhattan]], the [[Bronx]], and several counties north of New York City, and has jurisdiction over [[Wall Street]] and the heart of the American financial system.
On August 13, 2009, Bharara was appointed by President Barack Obama as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, succeeding [[Michael J. Garcia]].<ref name="economic_times" /> His appointment was widely seen as a signal that the Obama administration intended to pursue aggressive enforcement of financial crimes in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Bharara's tenure, which lasted until March 11, 2017, became one of the most notable in the office's history, characterized by a broad and aggressive portfolio of prosecutions spanning financial crime, organized crime, terrorism, and public corruption.


==== Wall Street Prosecutions ====
==== Wall Street Prosecutions ====


One of the defining features of Bharara's tenure was his aggressive prosecution of financial crimes on [[Wall Street]]. His office prosecuted nearly 100 Wall Street executives for [[insider trading]] and [[securities fraud]], employing a range of tactics including [[wiretapping]] and [[asset seizure]] — methods more commonly associated with organized crime investigations.<ref name="nj">{{cite news |title=When U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara... |url=http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2012/08/when_us_attorney_preet_bharara.html |work=NJ.com |date=August 2012 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> These prosecutions resulted in the closure of multiple [[hedge fund]]s and led to settlements with the four largest banks in the country.
Bharara's office became known for its aggressive pursuit of insider trading and securities fraud on Wall Street. Using a variety of tactics, including [[wiretapping]] — a method more commonly associated with organized crime investigations — Bharara's office prosecuted nearly 100 Wall Street executives for insider trading and securities fraud.<ref name="nj">{{cite news |title=When U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara... |url=http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2012/08/when_us_attorney_preet_bharara.html |work=NJ.com |date=2012-08 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The use of wiretaps against white-collar defendants was considered unconventional and marked a departure from previous approaches to financial crime enforcement. Bharara's office also employed asset seizure as a tool in its prosecutions.


Bharara's office reached a significant settlement with [[Citibank]], which agreed to a $7 billion settlement in a mortgage securities inquiry, one of the largest such settlements in the aftermath of the [[Financial crisis of 2007–2008|2008 financial crisis]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Citibank reaches $7 billion mortgage securities inquiry settlement |url=http://jurist.org/paperchase/2014/07/citibank-reaches-7-billion-mortgage-securities-inquiry-settlement.php |publisher=JURIST |date=July 2014 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His office also secured a jury verdict against [[Bank of America]] in a related case involving mortgage fraud.<ref>{{cite web |title=BoA Verdict Statement |url=http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/pressreleases/October13/BoAVerdictStatement.php/ |publisher=U.S. Department of Justice |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
His office closed settlements with four of the largest banks in the United States in connection with mortgage securities and other financial misconduct.<ref name="citibank">{{cite news |title=Citibank reaches $7 billion mortgage securities inquiry settlement |url=http://jurist.org/paperchase/2014/07/citibank-reaches-7-billion-mortgage-securities-inquiry-settlement.php |work=JURIST |date=2014-07 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Among the most significant of these was a $7 billion settlement with [[Citigroup]] over mortgage-backed securities. Bharara's office also shut down multiple hedge funds as a result of its investigations. The scale and pace of these prosecutions drew national attention and were the subject of extensive media coverage.<ref name="time" />


Bharara's technocratic approach to financial prosecution and his willingness to use law enforcement tools traditionally reserved for violent crime cases against white-collar defendants drew both praise from advocates of financial accountability and criticism from those who viewed his methods as overly aggressive.<ref name="nj" />
In a statement following one major verdict, Bharara emphasized the importance of accountability in the financial sector, framing his office's work as an effort to restore public confidence in the integrity of the markets.<ref name="doj_boa">{{cite web |title=Statement on Bank of America Verdict |url=http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/pressreleases/October13/BoAVerdictStatement.php/ |publisher=U.S. Department of Justice |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


==== Organized Crime ====
==== Organized Crime ====


Bharara's office pursued major cases against [[organized crime]] in New York, particularly targeting the [[American Mafia|Italian Mafia]]. Under his leadership, the SDNY secured convictions against members of four of the [[Five Families]] — the dominant organized crime families that had long operated in the New York metropolitan area. These prosecutions represented a significant escalation of federal efforts to dismantle organized crime networks in the region.<ref name="wnyc" />
Bharara's office prosecuted the [[American Mafia|Italian-American Mafia]], securing convictions against members of four of the [[Five Families]] that have historically dominated organized crime in New York City.<ref name="wnyc" /> These prosecutions represented a continuation of the Southern District's long history of combating organized crime, dating back to the tenure of [[Rudy Giuliani]] as U.S. Attorney in the 1980s. Bharara's office also directed enforcement efforts against street gangs in New York City, broadening the office's anti-crime portfolio beyond traditional white-collar and organized crime cases.<ref name="nydailynews_gangs">{{cite news |title=Bharara wages war on street gangs |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bharara-wages-war-street-gangs-article-1.1731521 |work=New York Daily News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
In addition to Mafia prosecutions, Bharara's office also targeted street gang activity in New York City. His efforts to combat gang violence drew attention for their scope and for the application of federal resources to what had traditionally been treated as a local law enforcement matter.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bharara wages war on street gangs |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bharara-wages-war-street-gangs-article-1.1731521 |work=New York Daily News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


==== Counter-Terrorism ====
==== Counter-Terrorism ====


Bharara headed various counter-terrorism probes and cases during his tenure, particularly those related to [[Al-Qaeda]]. The Southern District of New York had long served as one of the primary venues for terrorism prosecutions in the United States, and Bharara continued this tradition by overseeing cases involving international terrorism, material support for terrorist organizations, and related charges. His office occasionally pursued criminals extraterritorially, extending the reach of federal prosecution beyond American borders.
Bharara headed various counter-terrorism probes and cases during his tenure, particularly those targeting [[Al-Qaeda]] and its affiliates. The Southern District of New York had become one of the primary venues for terrorism-related prosecutions in the United States following the [[September 11 attacks]], and Bharara continued and expanded this role. His office pursued cases involving material support for terrorism, terrorist financing, and plots against the United States and its allies.


==== Public Corruption ====
==== Public Corruption ====


A significant component of Bharara's work as U.S. Attorney involved the prosecution of public corruption cases. His office brought charges against elected officials from both the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] and [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] parties, a bipartisan approach that became a hallmark of his tenure.
One of the hallmarks of Bharara's tenure was the prosecution of public officials on corruption charges. His office brought cases against prominent politicians of both the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] and [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] parties, reinforcing an image of nonpartisan enforcement.


Among the most high-profile corruption cases was the prosecution of [[Sheldon Silver]], the longtime Speaker of the [[New York State Assembly]], who was charged with corruption in January 2015. Silver resigned as Speaker following the charges.<ref>{{cite news |title=Silver to resign as Speaker on Monday |url=http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2015/01/30/silver-to-resign-as-speaker-on-monday.html |work=NY1 |date=January 30, 2015 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Bharara's public comments about the Silver case drew some criticism, with legal commentators raising concerns about whether his statements could prejudice a jury.<ref>{{cite news |title=Preet Bharara on Sheldon Silver: The Prosecutor Could Prejudice a Jury |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2015/03/preet_bharara_on_sheldon_silver_the_prosecutor_could_prejudice_a_jury.html |work=Slate |date=March 2015 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Among the most high-profile of these cases was the prosecution of [[Sheldon Silver]], the longtime [[Speaker of the New York State Assembly]], who was arrested in January 2015 on federal corruption charges. Silver was accused of obtaining millions of dollars in payments from law firms in exchange for official actions. The case drew enormous attention to corruption in [[Albany, New York|Albany]] and the New York State Legislature.<ref name="silver">{{cite news |title=Silver to resign as speaker on Monday |url=http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2015/01/30/silver-to-resign-as-speaker-on-monday.html |work=NY1 |date=2015-01-30 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Bharara's public statements about the case drew some scrutiny, with legal commentators debating whether his remarks risked prejudicing a potential jury pool.<ref name="slate_silver">{{cite news |title=Preet Bharara on Sheldon Silver: The prosecutor could prejudice a jury |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2015/03/preet_bharara_on_sheldon_silver_the_prosecutor_could_prejudice_a_jury.html |work=Slate |date=2015-03 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Bharara's office also prosecuted local corruption cases, including the conviction of Sandy Annabi, a former [[Yonkers, New York|Yonkers]] city council member, on corruption charges.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jury Finds Annabi, Jereis Guilty of Corruption |url=http://rivertowns.dailyvoice.com/news/jury-finds-annabi-jereis-guilty-corruption |work=Daily Voice |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sandy Annabi holds head up high as she enters prison |url=http://newyork.newsday.com/nation/sandy-annabi-holds-head-up-high-as-she-enters-prison-1.4747092 |work=Newsday |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Bharara's office also prosecuted local officials, including the case of Sandy Annabi, a former [[Yonkers, New York|Yonkers]] city councilwoman, who was convicted of corruption charges. Annabi was found guilty along with a co-defendant in a case involving bribery related to real estate development approvals.<ref name="annabi_verdict">{{cite news |title=Jury Finds Annabi, Jereis Guilty of Corruption |url=http://rivertowns.dailyvoice.com/news/jury-finds-annabi-jereis-guilty-corruption |work=Daily Voice |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="annabi_prison">{{cite news |title=Sandy Annabi holds head up high as she enters prison |url=http://newyork.newsday.com/nation/sandy-annabi-holds-head-up-high-as-she-enters-prison-1.4747092 |work=Newsday |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


==== Holocaust Fund Fraud Case ====
==== International Cases and Controversies ====


Bharara's office also handled cases involving large-scale fraud schemes. In one notable case, his office charged 17 individuals in connection with a $42.5 million fraud scheme that targeted Holocaust survivors, swindling money from funds designated for victims of the Holocaust.<ref>{{cite news |title=Holocaust survivor scam nets $42.5 million; 17 charged in swindle, prosecutors say |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/holocaust-survivor-scam-nets-42-5-million-17-charged-swindle-prosecutors-article-1.453150 |work=New York Daily News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=November 9, 2010 |title=New York Holocaust fund fraud |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/11/09/new.york.holocaust.fund.fraud/ |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Bharara's office occasionally pursued cases with significant international dimensions. In 2013, his office conducted a Russian money laundering investigation, the fallout from which led Russian officials to permanently ban Bharara from entering [[Russia]].<ref name="economic_times" />


==== International Controversies ====
Also in 2013, Bharara's office prosecuted [[Devyani Khobragade]], an Indian diplomat serving as India's Deputy Consul General in New York, on charges related to visa fraud and making false statements about the wages paid to her domestic worker. The case caused a significant strain in [[India–United States relations]], with the Indian government protesting the arrest and treatment of Khobragade. Bharara publicly addressed the case, expressing disappointment at the criticism his office received from Indian officials and media.<ref name="bs_khobragade">{{cite news |title=Bharara talks Khobragade case |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/bharara-talks-khobragade-case-114060100160_1.html |work=Business Standard |date=2014-06-01 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="ie_bharara">{{cite news |title=Bharara says upset by criticism |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/bharara-says-upset-by-criticism/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The incident became one of the more diplomatically consequential actions of Bharara's tenure.


Bharara's tenure as U.S. Attorney was marked by several international incidents. Following a 2013 investigation into Russian money laundering, Russian officials permanently banned Bharara from entering Russia, placing him on a sanctions list. The ban was a retaliatory measure related to his office's investigation of Russian financial crimes.
==== Other Notable Cases ====


In December 2013, Bharara's office pursued the prosecution of [[Devyani Khobragade]], an Indian diplomat serving as India's Deputy Consul General in New York, on charges related to visa fraud and making false statements regarding the wages paid to her domestic worker. The case created a significant diplomatic incident and strained [[India–United States relations]]. Bharara addressed the criticism his office received over the case, expressing that he was "upset by criticism" of the prosecution.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bharara talks Khobragade case |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/bharara-talks-khobragade-case-114060100160_1.html |work=Business Standard |date=June 1, 2014 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bharara says upset by criticism |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/bharara-says-upset-by-criticism/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Bharara's office also prosecuted a large-scale fraud case involving the theft of funds from [[Holocaust]] survivors and their families. In the case, 17 individuals were charged in a scheme that netted $42.5 million from programs intended to benefit survivors of the Holocaust.<ref name="holocaust_fraud">{{cite news |title=Holocaust survivor scam nets $42.5 million; 17 charged in swindle, prosecutors say |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/holocaust-survivor-scam-nets-42-5-million-17-charged-swindle-prosecutors-article-1.453150 |work=New York Daily News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="cnn_holocaust">{{cite news |title=Holocaust fund fraud |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/11/09/new.york.holocaust.fund.fraud/ |work=CNN |date=2010-11-09 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


==== Dismissal ====
==== Controversies and Criticisms ====


On March 11, 2017, Bharara was dismissed from his position as U.S. Attorney during the early months of the [[Presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]]. The dismissal came after Bharara refused to submit his resignation, which had been requested of all remaining Obama-appointed U.S. attorneys. Bharara's refusal to resign and his subsequent firing drew significant media attention and public discussion. He was succeeded in an acting capacity by [[Joon Kim]].
While Bharara's tenure was characterized by high-profile convictions, it was not without controversy. In 2015, his office issued a [[subpoena]] to the libertarian magazine ''[[Reason (magazine)|Reason]]'' seeking the identities of anonymous commenters on the magazine's website who had posted threatening remarks about a federal judge. The subpoena drew sharp criticism from [[free speech]] advocates and media organizations, who argued that it had a [[chilling effect]] on online speech.<ref name="reason">{{cite web |title=Government Stifles Speech |url=http://reason.com/blog/2015/06/19/government-stifles-speech |publisher=Reason |date=2015-06-19 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="bloomberg_reason">{{cite news |title=Reason Magazine Subpoena Stomps on Free Speech |url=http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-06-09/reason-magazine-subpoena-stomps-on-free-speech |work=Bloomberg View |date=2015-06-09 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Post-Government Career ===
=== Dismissal ===


Following his departure from government, Bharara pursued several professional activities. He became a prominent legal commentator and launched a podcast, ''Stay Tuned with Preet'', which covers legal affairs, politics, and current events. He also authored a book and became a sought-after public speaker on legal and policy issues.
On March 11, 2017, Bharara was dismissed from his position as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York by the administration of President Donald Trump. The dismissal came after Bharara refused to submit his resignation, despite the Trump administration's request that all remaining Obama-era U.S. attorneys step down. Bharara's refusal and subsequent firing attracted substantial media attention, in part because Trump had reportedly asked Bharara to remain in his position during the presidential transition period. Bharara was succeeded in an acting capacity by Joon Kim.<ref name="sfstandard">{{cite news |title=Trump fired him, but Preet Bharara is still defending the country he loves |url=https://sfstandard.com/life-in-seven-songs/2025/11/04/life-in-seven-songs-podcast-preet-bharara/ |work=The San Francisco Standard |date=2025-11-04 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In June 2022, Bharara joined the law firm [[WilmerHale]] as a partner, bringing his extensive prosecutorial experience to private practice.<ref>{{cite web |title=Preet Bharara, Former SDNY US Attorney, Joins WilmerHale |url=https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20220613-preet-bharara-former-sdny-us-attorney-joins-wilmerhale |publisher=WilmerHale |date=June 13, 2022 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Post-Government Career ===


As of 2025, Bharara has also taken on a role in a two-year review of New York State's prison system, described by ''Newsday'' as building upon his record of anti-corruption work and his earlier investigations into failures at the [[Rikers Island]] jail complex.<ref>{{cite news |title=Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara takes key role in two-year review of New York State's prison system |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/preet-bharara-new-york-prisons-vaegjvtc |work=Newsday |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Following his departure from government service, Bharara became a prominent voice in legal commentary and public affairs. He launched the podcast ''Stay Tuned with Preet'', which covers legal issues, current events, and interviews with public figures. The podcast has attracted a large audience and has established Bharara as one of the most recognized legal commentators in the United States.<ref name="sfstandard" />


==== Free Speech Controversy ====
In June 2022, Bharara joined the law firm [[WilmerHale]] as a partner, returning to private legal practice.<ref name="wilmerhale" /> WilmerHale is a major international law firm with offices in multiple cities, and Bharara's addition to the firm was seen as a significant hire given his profile and experience.


During his time as U.S. Attorney, Bharara's office issued a subpoena to ''[[Reason (magazine)|Reason]]'' magazine seeking to identify anonymous commenters on its website who had made threatening remarks about a federal judge. The subpoena, which included a gag order preventing the magazine from disclosing its existence, drew criticism from free speech advocates who viewed it as an overreach of prosecutorial power.<ref>{{cite web |title=Government Stifles Speech |url=http://reason.com/blog/2015/06/19/government-stifles-speech |publisher=Reason |date=June 19, 2015 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Reason Magazine Subpoena Stomps on Free Speech |url=http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-06-09/reason-magazine-subpoena-stomps-on-free-speech |work=Bloomberg View |date=June 9, 2015 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Bharara has also remained engaged in public service in other capacities. In 2024, he delivered the commencement address at the [[Drexel University]] Kline School of Law, where he was described as a prominent figure in the legal profession.<ref name="drexel" /> In 2025, he took on a key role in a two-year review of [[New York State]]'s prison system, drawing on his background in law enforcement and criminal justice.<ref name="newsday_prisons">{{cite news |title=Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara takes key role in two-year review of New York State's prison system |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/preet-bharara-new-york-prisons-vaegjvtc |work=Newsday |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The role reflected a continuation of his engagement with criminal justice issues beyond the prosecutorial context.


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Bharara is married to Dalya Bharara. The couple has three children. The family resides in the New York metropolitan area. Bharara has spoken publicly about his identity as an Indian-born American and his connection to the United States. In a 2025 profile in ''The San Francisco Standard'', he was described as someone who "isn't embarrassed to request 'Wagon Wheel' in Nashville or to say he loves America," reflecting his embrace of American culture and patriotism.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trump fired him, but Preet Bharara is still defending the country he loves |url=https://sfstandard.com/life-in-seven-songs/2025/11/04/life-in-seven-songs-podcast-preet-bharara/ |work=The San Francisco Standard |date=November 4, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Bharara is married to Dalya Bharara, and the couple have three children.<ref name="economic_times" /> The family resides in the [[New York metropolitan area]]. Bharara has spoken publicly about his identity as an Indian-American immigrant and the influence of his background on his career in public service. He was recognized as India Abroad Person of the Year in 2011, an honor that reflected his prominence within the Indian-American community.<ref name="rediff" />


Bharara is a member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]].
In a 2025 profile, Bharara discussed his love of American culture and his appreciation for the country, noting his affection for everyday American experiences alongside his professional dedication to the rule of law.<ref name="sfstandard" />


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Bharara received significant media recognition during his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. In 2012, he appeared on the cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine's European edition, reflecting the international attention his prosecutions had generated.<ref>{{cite web |title=Time Magazine Cover |url=http://www.time.com/time/covers/europe/0,16641,20120213,00.html |publisher=Time |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Bharara received significant recognition during and after his tenure as U.S. Attorney. In February 2012, he was featured on the cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine's European edition, reflecting the international attention his prosecutions had attracted.<ref name="time" /> He was named to ''[[Bloomberg Markets]]'' list of the 50 Most Influential people in global finance in 2012, a recognition of the impact his office's prosecutions had on the financial industry.<ref name="bloomberg_50">{{cite web |title=Bloomberg Markets 50 Most Influential |url=http://origin-www.bloomberg.com/slideshow/2012-09-04/bloomberg-markets-50-most-influential.html#slide23 |publisher=Bloomberg |date=2012-09-04 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Also in 2012, ''[[Bloomberg Markets]]'' included Bharara on its list of the 50 Most Influential people in global finance, a recognition of the impact his Wall Street prosecutions had on the financial industry.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bloomberg Markets 50 Most Influential |url=http://origin-www.bloomberg.com/slideshow/2012-09-04/bloomberg-markets-50-most-influential.html#slide23 |publisher=Bloomberg |date=September 4, 2012 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In 2011, Bharara was named India Abroad Person of the Year, an award given by the ''India Abroad'' newspaper to recognize notable achievements by members of the Indian-American community.<ref name="rediff" />


In 2011, Bharara was named India Abroad Person of the Year, an honor recognizing his achievements as one of the most prominent Indian Americans in public life.<ref>{{cite web |title=Preet Bharara is India Abroad Person of the Year 2011 |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-preet-bharara-is-india-abroad-person-of-the-year-2011/20120630.htm |publisher=Rediff.com |date=June 30, 2012 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
His public profile extended beyond legal circles. Media outlets frequently described his prosecutorial approach as technocratic and systematic, emphasizing his use of data-driven methods, wiretapping, and unconventional strategies more commonly associated with organized crime investigations to pursue financial criminals.<ref name="wnyc" /><ref name="nj" /> The WNYC profile of Bharara described him as a "hard-charging" prosecutor who maintained a humble demeanor despite the scale and visibility of his cases.<ref name="wnyc" />


In 2024, he was selected as the commencement speaker for the Drexel University Kline School of Law graduation ceremony.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Partner at WilmerHale Preet Bharara Will Address Drexel Kline School of Law Graduates at Commencement |url=https://drexel.edu/news/archive/2024/May/Drexel-Kline-commencement-2024 |publisher=Drexel University |date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Following his departure from government, Bharara's recognition continued through his work as a legal commentator, podcast host, and partner at WilmerHale. His 2024 commencement address at Drexel University's Kline School of Law further underscored his standing in the legal profession.<ref name="drexel" />


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Bharara's tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York is considered one of the most consequential in the office's history. His office's prosecution of nearly 100 Wall Street executives in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis represented one of the most extensive crackdowns on financial crime in American history. The use of wiretapping and other law enforcement techniques traditionally associated with organized crime investigations to pursue insider trading cases established new precedents in the prosecution of white-collar crime.<ref name="nj" />
Bharara's tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York is considered one of the most consequential in the modern history of the office. His aggressive prosecution of insider trading on Wall Street reshaped the enforcement landscape for financial crimes, particularly through the introduction of wiretapping as a standard investigative tool in white-collar cases.<ref name="nj" /> The near-100 convictions of Wall Street executives during his tenure represented a significant increase in enforcement activity compared to previous administrations and were seen as a direct response to public anger over the [[2008 financial crisis]] and the perception that financial industry executives had escaped accountability.


His simultaneous pursuit of organized crime, terrorism, financial fraud, and public corruption demonstrated the breadth of the SDNY's jurisdiction and its capacity to operate across multiple areas of federal law enforcement simultaneously. The convictions of members of four of the Five Families continued the SDNY's long tradition of combating organized crime in New York.
His public corruption prosecutions, including the case against Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, contributed to renewed attention to ethical standards in New York State government.<ref name="silver" /> The bipartisan nature of his corruption cases — targeting Democrats and Republicans alike — reinforced the nonpartisan image of the Southern District.


Bharara's bipartisan approach to public corruption — prosecuting elected officials of both major parties — reinforced the independence of the SDNY from political influence, a characteristic that has historically distinguished the office. His prosecution of New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and other politicians sent a signal about the office's willingness to pursue powerful public officials regardless of party affiliation.
Bharara's approach was not without its critics. The ''Reason'' magazine subpoena controversy raised questions about the boundaries of prosecutorial power and its potential impact on free expression.<ref name="reason" /><ref name="bloomberg_reason" /> The Khobragade case demonstrated the diplomatic complications that can arise from aggressive federal prosecution of foreign officials.<ref name="bs_khobragade" />


His dismissal by President Trump in 2017, following his refusal to resign, became emblematic of broader debates about the independence of federal prosecutors and the relationship between the executive branch and law enforcement. Bharara's subsequent career as a legal commentator and his involvement in public interest work, including the 2025 review of New York State's prison system,<ref>{{cite news |title=Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara takes key role in two-year review of New York State's prison system |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/preet-bharara-new-york-prisons-vaegjvtc |work=Newsday |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> have continued to keep him in the public eye as a figure associated with the rule of law and governmental accountability.
In his post-government career, Bharara has continued to shape public discourse on legal and constitutional issues through his podcast and media appearances. His 2025 role in reviewing New York State's prison system suggests a broadening of his engagement with criminal justice issues beyond prosecution.<ref name="newsday_prisons" /> As a partner at WilmerHale, he continues to practice law at a high level while maintaining a public profile as a commentator on the rule of law and democratic institutions.<ref name="wilmerhale" />


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />


[[Category:Lawyers]]
[[Category:Government officials]]
[[Category:American people]]
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian-born American citizens]]
[[Category:Indian-born American attorneys]]
[[Category:United States Attorneys for the Southern District of New York]]
[[Category:Harvard University alumni]]
[[Category:Harvard University alumni]]
[[Category:Columbia Law School alumni]]
[[Category:Columbia Law School alumni]]
[[Category:United States Attorneys for the Southern District of New York]]
[[Category:Obama administration personnel]]
[[Category:Obama administration personnel]]
[[Category:People from Firozpur]]
[[Category:American people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Punjabi descent]]
[[Category:American Sikhs]]
[[Category:American Sikhs]]
[[Category:New York (state) lawyers]]
[[Category:People from Firozpur]]
[[Category:New York (state) Democrats]]
[[Category:Indian emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:WilmerHale people]]
[[Category:WilmerHale people]]
[[Category:American podcasters]]
[[Category:Federal prosecutors]]
[[Category:People from New Jersey]]
<html><script type="application/ld+json">
<html><script type="application/ld+json">
{
{
Line 147: Line 147:
   "birthPlace": "Firozpur, Punjab, India",
   "birthPlace": "Firozpur, Punjab, India",
   "alumniOf": "Harvard University (BA)<br>Columbia University (JD)",
   "alumniOf": "Harvard University (BA)<br>Columbia University (JD)",
  "description": "Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York",
   "sameAs": [
   "sameAs": [
     "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preet_Bharara"
     "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preet_Bharara"

Latest revision as of 02:07, 24 February 2026

Preet Bharara
BornPreetinder Singh Bharara
13 10, 1968
BirthplaceFirozpur, Punjab, India
NationalityAmerican
OccupationAttorney, legal commentator, author
TitlePartner, WilmerHale
Known forU.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (2009–2017); Wall Street insider trading prosecutions; public corruption cases
EducationHarvard University (BA)
Columbia University (JD)
Spouse(s)Dalya Bharara
Children3
AwardsTime 100 Most Influential People; Bloomberg Markets 50 Most Influential

Preetinder Singh Bharara (born October 13, 1968), known as Preet Bharara, is an Indian-born American attorney and former federal prosecutor who served as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 2009 to 2017. Appointed by President Barack Obama, Bharara oversaw one of the most consequential tenures in the history of that office, directing prosecutions that spanned Wall Street insider trading, organized crime, terrorism, and public corruption. His office secured convictions against nearly 100 Wall Street executives for insider trading and securities fraud, prosecuted members of four of the Five Families of the Italian-American Mafia, and brought corruption charges against prominent elected officials of both major political parties.[1][2] Before his appointment, Bharara served as chief counsel to U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, where he played a central role in investigating the 2006 dismissal of U.S. attorneys by the George W. Bush administration. On March 11, 2017, during the administration of President Donald Trump, Bharara was dismissed from his position after refusing to submit his resignation. Since leaving government, he has become a prominent legal commentator through his podcast Stay Tuned with Preet and, as of 2022, serves as a partner at the law firm WilmerHale.[3]

Early Life

Preetinder Singh Bharara was born on October 13, 1968, in Firozpur, a city in the state of Punjab, India. His family is of Sikh Punjabi heritage. The Bharara family immigrated to the United States when Preet was a young child, settling in the state of New Jersey, where he was raised.[4] His upbringing in the immigrant community of New Jersey informed his perspective on public service and the American legal system. Details about his parents' occupations and the circumstances of their immigration are limited in publicly available records, though his trajectory from an immigrant family to one of the most prominent federal prosecutors in the country became a recurring theme in media profiles of Bharara throughout his career.[2]

Bharara grew up in a household that placed a high value on education, and he distinguished himself academically from a young age. He attended public schools in New Jersey before pursuing higher education at some of the country's most prestigious institutions. His Indian-American background and immigrant upbringing were subjects he addressed publicly on multiple occasions during his tenure as U.S. Attorney, particularly in the context of cases involving international diplomacy and cross-border investigations.[5]

Education

Bharara attended Harvard University for his undergraduate studies, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He subsequently enrolled at Columbia Law School at Columbia University in New York City, where he earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree.[4][6] His legal education at Columbia provided a foundation for a career that would be defined by complex federal litigation, securities law, and public corruption cases. The combination of his Harvard undergraduate degree and Columbia legal training placed him among a cohort of elite-educated attorneys who rose to prominence in federal law enforcement during the early 21st century.

Career

Early Legal Career and Assistant U.S. Attorney

After completing his legal education, Bharara initially worked as an attorney in private practice. He transitioned to public service when he joined the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York as an assistant United States attorney, a position he held from 2000 to 2005.[4] In this role, he gained direct experience prosecuting federal cases in one of the most active and high-profile federal districts in the country. The Southern District of New York, headquartered in Manhattan, has long been considered the premier U.S. Attorney's office in the nation due to its jurisdiction over Wall Street, the headquarters of major financial institutions, and a dense concentration of potential federal criminal activity.

During his time as an assistant U.S. attorney, Bharara developed expertise in complex criminal investigations and trial work that would later define his tenure as the district's chief federal prosecutor. His years as a line prosecutor gave him an intimate understanding of the office's culture and capabilities.[2]

Chief Counsel to Senator Chuck Schumer

In 2005, Bharara left the U.S. Attorney's office to join the staff of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, serving as the senator's chief counsel. In this capacity, Bharara played a central role in one of the major political controversies of the George W. Bush administration: the investigation into the 2006 dismissal of U.S. attorneys. The controversy involved the firing of several U.S. attorneys by the Department of Justice under Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, which critics alleged was politically motivated. Bharara's involvement in Schumer's investigation of the matter raised his profile considerably within Washington legal and political circles and positioned him as a candidate for a senior prosecutorial appointment under a future administration.[4]

Bharara served in Schumer's office from 2005 to 2009, a period that coincided with significant shifts in the American political landscape, including the 2008 financial crisis and the election of President Barack Obama. His work on Capitol Hill gave him experience at the intersection of law and politics that would inform his approach to high-profile prosecutions.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York

On August 13, 2009, Bharara was appointed by President Barack Obama as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, succeeding Michael J. Garcia.[4] His appointment was widely seen as a signal that the Obama administration intended to pursue aggressive enforcement of financial crimes in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Bharara's tenure, which lasted until March 11, 2017, became one of the most notable in the office's history, characterized by a broad and aggressive portfolio of prosecutions spanning financial crime, organized crime, terrorism, and public corruption.

Wall Street Prosecutions

Bharara's office became known for its aggressive pursuit of insider trading and securities fraud on Wall Street. Using a variety of tactics, including wiretapping — a method more commonly associated with organized crime investigations — Bharara's office prosecuted nearly 100 Wall Street executives for insider trading and securities fraud.[7] The use of wiretaps against white-collar defendants was considered unconventional and marked a departure from previous approaches to financial crime enforcement. Bharara's office also employed asset seizure as a tool in its prosecutions.

His office closed settlements with four of the largest banks in the United States in connection with mortgage securities and other financial misconduct.[8] Among the most significant of these was a $7 billion settlement with Citigroup over mortgage-backed securities. Bharara's office also shut down multiple hedge funds as a result of its investigations. The scale and pace of these prosecutions drew national attention and were the subject of extensive media coverage.[1]

In a statement following one major verdict, Bharara emphasized the importance of accountability in the financial sector, framing his office's work as an effort to restore public confidence in the integrity of the markets.[9]

Organized Crime

Bharara's office prosecuted the Italian-American Mafia, securing convictions against members of four of the Five Families that have historically dominated organized crime in New York City.[2] These prosecutions represented a continuation of the Southern District's long history of combating organized crime, dating back to the tenure of Rudy Giuliani as U.S. Attorney in the 1980s. Bharara's office also directed enforcement efforts against street gangs in New York City, broadening the office's anti-crime portfolio beyond traditional white-collar and organized crime cases.[10]

Counter-Terrorism

Bharara headed various counter-terrorism probes and cases during his tenure, particularly those targeting Al-Qaeda and its affiliates. The Southern District of New York had become one of the primary venues for terrorism-related prosecutions in the United States following the September 11 attacks, and Bharara continued and expanded this role. His office pursued cases involving material support for terrorism, terrorist financing, and plots against the United States and its allies.

Public Corruption

One of the hallmarks of Bharara's tenure was the prosecution of public officials on corruption charges. His office brought cases against prominent politicians of both the Democratic and Republican parties, reinforcing an image of nonpartisan enforcement.

Among the most high-profile of these cases was the prosecution of Sheldon Silver, the longtime Speaker of the New York State Assembly, who was arrested in January 2015 on federal corruption charges. Silver was accused of obtaining millions of dollars in payments from law firms in exchange for official actions. The case drew enormous attention to corruption in Albany and the New York State Legislature.[11] Bharara's public statements about the case drew some scrutiny, with legal commentators debating whether his remarks risked prejudicing a potential jury pool.[12]

Bharara's office also prosecuted local officials, including the case of Sandy Annabi, a former Yonkers city councilwoman, who was convicted of corruption charges. Annabi was found guilty along with a co-defendant in a case involving bribery related to real estate development approvals.[13][14]

International Cases and Controversies

Bharara's office occasionally pursued cases with significant international dimensions. In 2013, his office conducted a Russian money laundering investigation, the fallout from which led Russian officials to permanently ban Bharara from entering Russia.[4]

Also in 2013, Bharara's office prosecuted Devyani Khobragade, an Indian diplomat serving as India's Deputy Consul General in New York, on charges related to visa fraud and making false statements about the wages paid to her domestic worker. The case caused a significant strain in India–United States relations, with the Indian government protesting the arrest and treatment of Khobragade. Bharara publicly addressed the case, expressing disappointment at the criticism his office received from Indian officials and media.[15][16] The incident became one of the more diplomatically consequential actions of Bharara's tenure.

Other Notable Cases

Bharara's office also prosecuted a large-scale fraud case involving the theft of funds from Holocaust survivors and their families. In the case, 17 individuals were charged in a scheme that netted $42.5 million from programs intended to benefit survivors of the Holocaust.[17][18]

Controversies and Criticisms

While Bharara's tenure was characterized by high-profile convictions, it was not without controversy. In 2015, his office issued a subpoena to the libertarian magazine Reason seeking the identities of anonymous commenters on the magazine's website who had posted threatening remarks about a federal judge. The subpoena drew sharp criticism from free speech advocates and media organizations, who argued that it had a chilling effect on online speech.[19][20]

Dismissal

On March 11, 2017, Bharara was dismissed from his position as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York by the administration of President Donald Trump. The dismissal came after Bharara refused to submit his resignation, despite the Trump administration's request that all remaining Obama-era U.S. attorneys step down. Bharara's refusal and subsequent firing attracted substantial media attention, in part because Trump had reportedly asked Bharara to remain in his position during the presidential transition period. Bharara was succeeded in an acting capacity by Joon Kim.[21]

Post-Government Career

Following his departure from government service, Bharara became a prominent voice in legal commentary and public affairs. He launched the podcast Stay Tuned with Preet, which covers legal issues, current events, and interviews with public figures. The podcast has attracted a large audience and has established Bharara as one of the most recognized legal commentators in the United States.[21]

In June 2022, Bharara joined the law firm WilmerHale as a partner, returning to private legal practice.[3] WilmerHale is a major international law firm with offices in multiple cities, and Bharara's addition to the firm was seen as a significant hire given his profile and experience.

Bharara has also remained engaged in public service in other capacities. In 2024, he delivered the commencement address at the Drexel University Kline School of Law, where he was described as a prominent figure in the legal profession.[6] In 2025, he took on a key role in a two-year review of New York State's prison system, drawing on his background in law enforcement and criminal justice.[22] The role reflected a continuation of his engagement with criminal justice issues beyond the prosecutorial context.

Personal Life

Bharara is married to Dalya Bharara, and the couple have three children.[4] The family resides in the New York metropolitan area. Bharara has spoken publicly about his identity as an Indian-American immigrant and the influence of his background on his career in public service. He was recognized as India Abroad Person of the Year in 2011, an honor that reflected his prominence within the Indian-American community.[5]

In a 2025 profile, Bharara discussed his love of American culture and his appreciation for the country, noting his affection for everyday American experiences alongside his professional dedication to the rule of law.[21]

Recognition

Bharara received significant recognition during and after his tenure as U.S. Attorney. In February 2012, he was featured on the cover of Time magazine's European edition, reflecting the international attention his prosecutions had attracted.[1] He was named to Bloomberg Markets list of the 50 Most Influential people in global finance in 2012, a recognition of the impact his office's prosecutions had on the financial industry.[23]

In 2011, Bharara was named India Abroad Person of the Year, an award given by the India Abroad newspaper to recognize notable achievements by members of the Indian-American community.[5]

His public profile extended beyond legal circles. Media outlets frequently described his prosecutorial approach as technocratic and systematic, emphasizing his use of data-driven methods, wiretapping, and unconventional strategies more commonly associated with organized crime investigations to pursue financial criminals.[2][7] The WNYC profile of Bharara described him as a "hard-charging" prosecutor who maintained a humble demeanor despite the scale and visibility of his cases.[2]

Following his departure from government, Bharara's recognition continued through his work as a legal commentator, podcast host, and partner at WilmerHale. His 2024 commencement address at Drexel University's Kline School of Law further underscored his standing in the legal profession.[6]

Legacy

Bharara's tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York is considered one of the most consequential in the modern history of the office. His aggressive prosecution of insider trading on Wall Street reshaped the enforcement landscape for financial crimes, particularly through the introduction of wiretapping as a standard investigative tool in white-collar cases.[7] The near-100 convictions of Wall Street executives during his tenure represented a significant increase in enforcement activity compared to previous administrations and were seen as a direct response to public anger over the 2008 financial crisis and the perception that financial industry executives had escaped accountability.

His public corruption prosecutions, including the case against Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, contributed to renewed attention to ethical standards in New York State government.[11] The bipartisan nature of his corruption cases — targeting Democrats and Republicans alike — reinforced the nonpartisan image of the Southern District.

Bharara's approach was not without its critics. The Reason magazine subpoena controversy raised questions about the boundaries of prosecutorial power and its potential impact on free expression.[19][20] The Khobragade case demonstrated the diplomatic complications that can arise from aggressive federal prosecution of foreign officials.[15]

In his post-government career, Bharara has continued to shape public discourse on legal and constitutional issues through his podcast and media appearances. His 2025 role in reviewing New York State's prison system suggests a broadening of his engagement with criminal justice issues beyond prosecution.[22] As a partner at WilmerHale, he continues to practice law at a high level while maintaining a public profile as a commentator on the rule of law and democratic institutions.[3]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "TIME Magazine Cover: Preet Bharara".Time Inc..http://www.time.com/time/covers/europe/0,16641,20120213,00.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Preet Bharara: Hard-Charging, Humble Prosecutor".WNYC.2011-01-27.http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/jan/27/preet-bharara-hard-charging-humble-prosecutor/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Preet Bharara, Former SDNY US Attorney, Joins WilmerHale".WilmerHale.2022-06-13.https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20220613-preet-bharara-former-sdny-us-attorney-joins-wilmerhale.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 "Preet Bharara, the new top federal prosecutor, zeroes in on white-collar crime".The Economic Times.http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/Preet-Bharara-the-new-top-federal-prosecutor-zeroes-in-on-white-collar-crime/articleshow/5141088.cms.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Preet Bharara is India Abroad Person of the Year 2011".Rediff.com.2012-06-30.http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-preet-bharara-is-india-abroad-person-of-the-year-2011/20120630.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Partner at WilmerHale Preet Bharara Will Address Drexel Kline School of Law Graduates at Commencement".Drexel University.2024-05-16.https://drexel.edu/news/archive/2024/May/Drexel-Kline-commencement-2024.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "When U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara...".NJ.com.2012-08.http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2012/08/when_us_attorney_preet_bharara.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "Citibank reaches $7 billion mortgage securities inquiry settlement".JURIST.2014-07.http://jurist.org/paperchase/2014/07/citibank-reaches-7-billion-mortgage-securities-inquiry-settlement.php.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "Statement on Bank of America Verdict".U.S. Department of Justice.http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/pressreleases/October13/BoAVerdictStatement.php/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "Bharara wages war on street gangs".New York Daily News.http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bharara-wages-war-street-gangs-article-1.1731521.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Silver to resign as speaker on Monday".NY1.2015-01-30.http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2015/01/30/silver-to-resign-as-speaker-on-monday.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "Preet Bharara on Sheldon Silver: The prosecutor could prejudice a jury".Slate.2015-03.http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2015/03/preet_bharara_on_sheldon_silver_the_prosecutor_could_prejudice_a_jury.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ "Jury Finds Annabi, Jereis Guilty of Corruption".Daily Voice.http://rivertowns.dailyvoice.com/news/jury-finds-annabi-jereis-guilty-corruption.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "Sandy Annabi holds head up high as she enters prison".Newsday.http://newyork.newsday.com/nation/sandy-annabi-holds-head-up-high-as-she-enters-prison-1.4747092.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Bharara talks Khobragade case".Business Standard.2014-06-01.http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/bharara-talks-khobragade-case-114060100160_1.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "Bharara says upset by criticism".The Indian Express.http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/bharara-says-upset-by-criticism/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "Holocaust survivor scam nets $42.5 million; 17 charged in swindle, prosecutors say".New York Daily News.http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/holocaust-survivor-scam-nets-42-5-million-17-charged-swindle-prosecutors-article-1.453150.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Holocaust fund fraud".CNN.2010-11-09.http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/11/09/new.york.holocaust.fund.fraud/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Government Stifles Speech".Reason.2015-06-19.http://reason.com/blog/2015/06/19/government-stifles-speech.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Reason Magazine Subpoena Stomps on Free Speech".Bloomberg View.2015-06-09.http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-06-09/reason-magazine-subpoena-stomps-on-free-speech.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 "Trump fired him, but Preet Bharara is still defending the country he loves".The San Francisco Standard.2025-11-04.https://sfstandard.com/life-in-seven-songs/2025/11/04/life-in-seven-songs-podcast-preet-bharara/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara takes key role in two-year review of New York State's prison system".Newsday.https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/preet-bharara-new-york-prisons-vaegjvtc.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  23. ↑ "Bloomberg Markets 50 Most Influential".Bloomberg.2012-09-04.http://origin-www.bloomberg.com/slideshow/2012-09-04/bloomberg-markets-50-most-influential.html#slide23.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

Retrieved from "https://biography.wiki/index.php?title=Preet_Bharara&oldid=191"