Investigating Financial Crimes in Sudan: A Fresh Bid to Uncover Stashed Billions
When Omar al-Bashir, Sudan’s former ruler, appeared in court last month facing corruption charges, he was confronted with stacks of cash seized from his home - just a fraction of the hundreds of millions believed to have been laundered away during his 30-year rule.
Recovering Lost Billions and Holding Accountable Those Responsible
As Sudan continues to grapple with the aftermath of Bashir’s ouster, authorities are now turning their attention to recovering the lost billions and holding accountable those responsible for facilitating corruption and human rights abuses. The new government, which shares power with Bashir-era generals who contributed to his downfall, is being pushed by citizen-led campaigns to reclaim Sudan’s wealth.
A Focus on French Bank BNP Paribas
A focus has landed on French bank BNP Paribas, which was tried in a US court in 2016 for its role as the main bank of Bashir’s government from 1997 to 2007 - a time when Sudan was under sanctions. The bank agreed to pay almost $9 billion to settle charges related to transferring money from Iran and Cuba, but the lawsuit was revived by the US Supreme Court in May.
- Sudanese Victims Denied Justice: Sudanese victims involved in bringing the case did not receive any of that money, according to Masaad Mohamed Ali, executive director of African Center for Justice and Peace Studies.
- Plan to Investigate Financial Crimes: The plan is now to also push authorities to investigate the bank for financial crimes, including laundering money abroad and handling proceeds of crime.
Other International Banks Accused of Facilitating Corruption
Other international banks have also been accused of helping Sudan evade sanctions. In 2010, WikiLeaks released diplomatic cables showing that British bank Lloyds and American bank Barclays were accused of breaking sanctions to deal with Cuba, Iran, and Sudan. Paris-based Societe Generale was also sanctioned in 2018 for allegedly dealing with Sudan and other sanctioned countries.
Holding Individual Directors or Staff Members Accountable
African Center for Justice and Peace Studies director Massaad Ali warned that banks cannot be prosecuted under international criminal law, but individual directors or staff members may be held accountable. “We will definitely open more cases if we manage to get sufficient evidence that they have been working with the previous government of Sudan,” he stressed.
Tracking Down Figures from Bashir’s Government
Tracking down figures from Bashir’s government who are accused of corruption is also a priority for Sudanese political forces that helped spearhead the protest movement that ousted him. The Forces for Freedom of Change (FFC) has promised to begin interviewing witnesses in the coming month and track down former ruling party members and government officials who have escaped justice.
Conclusion
The investigation into financial crimes in Sudan is a significant step towards recovering lost billions and holding accountable those responsible for facilitating corruption and human rights abuses. With international banks accused of facilitating corruption, it is crucial to hold individual directors or staff members accountable and track down figures from Bashir’s government who are accused of corruption.