
Audio By Carbonatix
Israeli billionaire Beny Steinmetz and two associates are to stand trial for allegedly bribing Guinean officials to win mining licences, Swiss prosecutors say.The trio allegedly paid $10m (£8.2m) to one of the wives of former Guinean President Lansana Conte.Mr Steinmetz and his mining company Beny Steinmetz Group Resources (BSGR) have previously denied any wrongdoing.The prosecution is seeking prison terms of two to 10 years.The prosecutors, who opened an investigation into the alleged bribery six years ago, allege that Mr Steinmetz obtained the mining rights in the Simandou region of south-eastern Guinea just before Conte died in 2008.They charge that the money was paid to a wife of the country's former president partially through Swiss bank accounts. In February this year, Guinean authorities dropped corruption charges against Mr Steinmetz and BSGR in exchange for relinquishing rights to the Simandou mine.The Guinean government has said it was not involved in the Swiss investigation and will not seek any "hostile action" against BSGR.In 2016 Mr Steinmetz was detained and questioned by the Israeli police over the mining deals. He denied any wrongdoing.
Simandou is one of the world's biggest iron deposits, containing billions of tonnes of high-grade ore.Guinea's mineral wealth makes it potentially one of Africa's richest countries, however, most of its citizens live on less than $1 (£0.80) a day.
Simandou is one of the world's biggest iron deposits, containing billions of tonnes of high-grade ore.Guinea's mineral wealth makes it potentially one of Africa's richest countries, however, most of its citizens live on less than $1 (£0.80) a day.DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
2026 World Cup: England come from behind to beat Norway and reach semi-final
1 minute -
IPR Ghana inspires Good Shepherd R/C JHS students to champion environmental sustainability
1 hour -
Kenpong suffers serious injuries after freak domestic accident
2 hours -
Sixteen starve to death in Uganda as drought kills crops
3 hours -
Iran supreme leader calls for revenge for father’s killing
3 hours -
Black Maidens seal U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification after shootout win over Senegal
4 hours -
Illegal sand winners will face the law – Ningo-Prampram MP warns
5 hours -
Trump administration subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One reporting
5 hours -
Aseidu Nketia urges greater investment in Ghana’s youth to unlock demographic dividend
5 hours -
More than 40 kidnapped children and teachers freed after Nigerian army operation
5 hours -
Saudi Arabia overlooks Somali tensions with military support for outgoing president
5 hours -
US pays out $3m to victims of mystery Havana Syndrome condition reported by spies
7 hours -
Landmark US housing bill becomes law despite Trump protest
7 hours -
Ann Widdecombe attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found dead, police say
7 hours -
Bawumia calls for unity after NPP constituency elections
7 hours