Gunvor says it is not target of Swiss prosecutor in bribery probe
Swiss Prosecutors Investigate Bribery Allegations Involving Gunvor
By Robert Harvey
Gunvor's Office Searched in Geneva
LONDON, June 3 (Reuters) - Global commodity trading house Gunvor confirmed on Tuesday that Swiss prosecutors had searched its office in Geneva, adding that the company itself was not the target of the investigation.
Details of the Swiss Prosecutor's Investigation
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland said the search was part of a criminal investigation into bribery of foreign officials by persons unknown. The prosecutor said it was unable to provide further details on an ongoing investigation.
Gunvor's Response and Cooperation
Gunvor said in its statement it had reported issues to the relevant authorities a year ago, and said it is cooperating with authorities and had no knowledge of the Swiss investigation beyond the company itself not being the target.
Contradictory Statements from Authorities
The OAG told Reuters that Gunvor had not reported any issues to it.
Focus on Gunvor's Operations in Gabon
The search of Gunvor's Geneva office was first reported by Public Eye as part of what the Swiss news outlet said was an investigation into Gunvor's operations in Gabon.
Internal Investigation by Gunvor
Gunvor said in its statement it had performed an internal investigation into its business in Gabon.
Findings of Fraudulent Activity
This, it said, had identified what it believed to be fraudulent activity elsewhere, totalling $2 million over five years, which Gunvor alleged was perpetrated by an unnamed counterparty, an unnamed maritime service provider and an unnamed ex-employee.
(Reporting by Robert Harvey and Shadia Nasralla in LONDON; Editing by David Goodman and Alexander Smith)
