The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

Glencore faces British criminal probe

Protesters outside Glencore HQ
Protesters demonstrated outside the Glencore HQ in Switzerland last year. © Keystone / Urs Flueeler

Swiss commodities giant Glencore is being investigated by the British Serious Fraud Office (SFO), it emerged on Thursday. The company would give no further details, but it already faces questions about its dealings in several countries.

The SFO said it “confirms it is investigating suspicions of bribery in the conduct of business by the Glencore group of companies, its officials, employees, agents and associated persons,” but would add no other detail.

The commodities trader has come under increasing pressure over suspicions of engaging in questionable business practices. Last year, it was subpoenaed by the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) in relation to its activities in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Venezuela.

This followed a criminal complaint submitted in Switzerland by the NGO Public Eye against the company’s activities in DRC, including suspect links with billionaire Israeli businessman Dan Gertler.

Leaked documents, known as the “Paradise Papers”, from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), exposed dealings of the commodities trading industry in Africa.

Last year, several media outlets reported that the SFO was considering a probe into Glencore’s dealings in the DRC.

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Lakes in Central Switzerland have the best bathing water quality

More

Lakes in Central Switzerland have best water quality for bathing

This content was published on Anyone who swims in a lake in Central Switzerland need have no fear of infection from intestinal bacteria. The water samples taken at 65 bathing sites in 13 lakes all have good to excellent bathing water quality.

Read more: Lakes in Central Switzerland have best water quality for bathing
Historic ring stolen from Basel museum

More

Historic Russian ring stolen from Basel museum

This content was published on Unknown assailants have stolen a historic ring from a Basel museum. The stolen item was a gift from Russian Tsar Alexander I to his host in Basel in 1814.

Read more: Historic Russian ring stolen from Basel museum
Ceasefire drives stock markets higher

More

Ceasefire drives stock markets higher

This content was published on The ceasefire in the Iran-Israel war has visibly eased tensions on the financial markets. The SMI, Switzerland's leading stock market index, has risen above the 12,000 point mark again.

Read more: Ceasefire drives stock markets higher
Swiss stick to tipping in cash

More

Swiss stick to tipping in cash

This content was published on The vast majority of Swiss people tip in restaurants – and preferably in cash. However, there are regional differences.

Read more: Swiss stick to tipping in cash

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR