Financial Crime World

Title: “British-Australian Businessman’s Allegations of Unfair Trial in Mongolian Coal Case Reach UN Human Rights Council”

Background

  • Mohammed Ibrahim “Mo” Munshi, a British-Australian businessman and former chairman of Gobi Coal and Energy, is currently serving an 11-year sentence in a Mongolian prison.
  • Munshi was arrested and jailed in July 2017 following a dispute over a coal deal between Gobi Coal and Energy and a Mongolian company.

Allegations of Unfair Trial and Irregularities

  • Munshi has appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), claiming his trial was unfair and marred by irregularities.
  • He faces an 11-year sentence and a $15m fine following a two-day trial.

Health Concerns

  • Munshi’s family has expressed concerns about his deteriorating health, specifically his varicose veins, that pose the risk of deep vein thrombosis and potentially fatal blood clots.
  • He has not received necessary medical treatment since his incarceration.

Inhumane Treatment

  • Munshi’s legal team alleges he has been subjected to inhumane treatment in prison, including solitary confinement, physical harassment, and verbal abuse.
  • The dispute arose from a coal deal between Gobi Coal and Energy and a Mongolian company owned by Chuluunbataar Baz.
  • Munshi’s arrest and conviction came after travel restrictions were imposed on him in 2015, and his passports were confiscated.

Motivations and International Concerns

  • Baz accused Munshi of fraud and making false statements, receiving others’ property, and altering financial statements.
  • Munshi’s Australian lawyer, Alisdair Putt, asserts that the commercial dispute should be resolved through international arbitration and not through the Mongolian criminal justice system.

Widespread Concerns and Travel Advisories

  • Up to 50 foreign investors have reportedly been affected by travel bans and arbitrary charges in Mongolia.
  • Several governments, including the Australian and UK, have issued travel advisories, while the US State Department warns investors about the risks.

Conclusion

  • Munshi’s case adds to the growing concern over the use of travel bans and criminal charges to pressure foreigners in Mongolia.
  • The international community remains concerned about the potential risks and consequences of similar cases involving foreign investors in Mongolia.