Financial Crime World

Uncovering Hidden Truths: A Guide to Identifying Lawsuits and Controversies Involving African-Based Companies

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African-based companies often find themselves entangled in controversies and lawsuits, but these stories rarely make headlines. To shed light on these hidden truths, journalists can turn to a range of legal information websites and databases that provide valuable insights into the activities of companies operating on the continent.

Databases and Websites

Several databases and websites offer access to information about African-based companies, including:

Data.CENOZO

  • A new database currently under construction that will provide detailed information on companies incorporated in various countries across Africa.
  • A basic search engine that provides information on companies incorporated in Mauritius, a notorious tax haven.

ICIJ’s Offshore Leaks Database

  • A comprehensive database containing information on over 800,000 companies created in secretive tax havens, including names of owners, shareholders, and directors.

OCCRP’s Catalogue of Research Databases

  • A wide-ranging collection of public data sources, including court records and tax agency portals.

Aleph global archive of research material for investigative reporting

  • A database containing a vast array of information on African-based companies and individuals.

United Nations Comtrade Database

  • A detailed global trade statistics database that can be used to track imports and exports by product and trading partner.

Case Studies

Several high-profile investigations have highlighted the importance of using these databases and websites to uncover hidden truths about African-based companies. Some notable case studies include:

The Taking of South Sudan

  • An investigation by US-based nonprofit The Sentry revealed how foreign actors, including oil companies and traders from China to the United Kingdom, allegedly helped South Sudanese politicians and military leaders siphon money from Africa’s newest country.

GuptaLeaks

  • An investigation by South African media houses AmaBhungane and Daily Maverick exposed how the three Gupta brothers had “captured” political decision-making in that country, using anonymous shell companies to launder billions of dollars.

Opacity in Cameroon’s Mining Sector

  • A story by Le Monde Afrique revealed how the wife of Cameroon’s former mining minister received shares in a mining company while her husband was in office and responsible for granting mining permits.

Expert Insights

Elza Sandrine Sawadogo, Investigative Reporter

  • Emphasizes the importance of using publicly available data to uncover hidden truths about African-based companies.

Will Fitzgibbon, Reporter with International Consortium of Investigative Journalists

  • Notes that major ICIJ investigations have exposed widespread corruption and fraud involving African-based companies.

Conclusion

Identifying lawsuits and controversies involving African-based companies requires access to a range of legal information websites and databases. By leveraging these resources, journalists can uncover hidden truths about corporate activities on the continent, shedding light on cases of corruption, fraud, and other forms of malfeasance.