Africa

In addition to analysing the political and socio-economic risks, including local ethnic and religious tensions, CRW’s work included analysis of the strength of infrastructure, terms of tax policies, level of bureaucracy and corruption within public administration. Information was gathered through analysis of publicly available information and on-the-ground intelligence, as well as enquiries with confidential sources including public officials, foreign entrepreneurs operating in the country, former army officers, politicians, journalists and former European diplomats.

Based on CRW’s assessment, the client was able to include adequate risk mitigation measures in its long-term investment plan in the country.

The work included analysis of publicly available information and enquiries with local sources. Research established that the target, who was operating in numerous sectors including publishing, media, mining and logistics, had close ties with a series of high-level politicians and that, most likely, he had illicitly benefited from these relationships to avoid indictments for corruption, embezzlement, fraud and tax evasion. In addition, it emerged that a top manager of the group controlled by the target company was under investigation on allegations of money laundering.

Based on the results of the investigation, the client decided not to continue the business relationship.