GlencoreGate: Case heads to Southwark Crown court
Six Cameroonian officials involved in the Glenocre case will face arraignment at Southwark Crown Court on October 8 at 9:30 AM. Due to its complexity, the case involving serious charges was transferred from Westminster Court.
Alex Beard, one of the defendants, has indicated a not-guilty plea. The other defendants have not yet announced their pleas.
The Glencore case has drawn international attention, with concerns about potential corruption and abuse of power. Southwark Crown Court is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this high-profile legal matter.
Senior Barrister Akere Muna blew the corruption whistle and exposed the National Hydrocarbon Company, SNH, for covering up for corrupt officials.
Barrister Akere Muna who was present in England said that the SNH is delaying to reveal the names because they know that an obligation to do so shall end next year, “SNH has put forth a defense for Glencore, asserting that the latter could not disclose the names due to a supposed agreement with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) that prevents them from providing any information. This claim lacks supporting documentation. SNH seems to agree with Glencore that they cannot disclose the names of their corrupt employees. Meanwhile, Glencore is bound by a plea agreement (Article 12) signed with the U.S. Department of Justice, which requires them to answer all questions posed by the investigating authorities in Cameroon. This obligation ends next year, which may explain the evident delay tactics in this case. “
When the trial begins, those accused of bribing officials in Cameroon at the SNH and Oil Refinery Company, SONARA, will be obliged to reveal the names of the Cameroonian officials to whom they gave money to obtain favours.
