Four former Glencore oil traders have pleaded not guilty to bribery charges linked to the company’s operations in West Africa. In a London court, the defendants denied allegations that they conspired to make corrupt payments to government officials in Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast between 2007 and 2014.
Martin Wakefield denied three counts of conspiring to bribe officials in those three countries for Glencore’s benefit. David Perez pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiring to give corrupt payments related to operations in Cameroon and Ivory Coast. Paul Hopkirk and Ramon Labiaga each denied a single charge concerning Nigeria. Both Perez and Wakefield also rejected an additional charge of conspiracy to falsify documents that purported to show service fees owed between 2007 and 2011.
The trial, scheduled to begin in October 2027, is expected to last up to six months. These charges are part of a broader investigation into Glencore’s activities in West Africa. Last year, Glencore’s former head of oil, Alex Beard, and former head of oil operations, Andrew Gibson, were also charged with bribery offenses. Although they indicated an intention to plead not guilty at their first court appearance, they did not appear or enter pleas on Monday.
The allegations underscore the ongoing challenges companies face in West Africa, where corruption remains a significant concern. The case against the four former traders will be closely watched because of the severity of the charges and the potential implications for Glencore’s operations in the region. The 2027 trial should provide further insight into the allegations and the company’s activities during the period in question, shedding light on the complexities of doing business in environments where corruption is prevalent and highlighting the measures firms must take to comply with anti‑bribery laws.
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