Guwahati: Tridip Kumar Goswami, a researcher hailing from Samarkuchi in Nalbari district, Assam, has been charged in the United States for his alleged involvement in a large-scale carbon-credit fraud. Goswami, formerly the head of carbon and sustainability accounting at CQC Impact Investors, is accused by U.S. federal prosecutors of manipulating data to falsely secure carbon credits, deceiving investors into investing over $250 million into the firm.
Goswami, an accomplished scientist with a background in chemistry and energy technology, had previously worked in hydrogen energy research at India’s Central Electrochemical Research Institute. His expertise later led him to CQC, a global firm focused on projects that claim to reduce emissions through initiatives like clean cookstoves in rural Africa and Southeast Asia.
Between 2021 and 2023, Goswami, along with CQC’s former CEO Kenneth Newcombe, allegedly manipulated carbon-credit data to inflate the success of these emission-reduction projects. This manipulation resulted in the illegitimate issuance of millions of dollars worth of carbon credits, which were sold to investors under false pretenses.
Goswami and Newcombe have been charged with wire fraud, commodities fraud conspiracy, and securities fraud conspiracy. While CQC itself has avoided charges due to its cooperation with authorities, Jason Steele, the company’s former Chief Operating Officer, has already pleaded guilty and is assisting the U.S. government in the investigation.
This case has raised concerns about the integrity of the voluntary carbon-credit market, casting doubt on the effectiveness of current carbon-offset programs. As the legal proceedings continue, the credibility of the industry remains under scrutiny.
Newcombe’s legal team has denied the allegations, while Goswami’s representatives have yet to issue a public statement.
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