Ex-Gunvor Employee Faces Corruption Charges in Swiss Court

A former employee of Gunvor is on trial at a Swiss court for allegedly bribing officials in the Republic of Congo to obtain oil contracts. The case, involving Switzerland's commodities trading sector, has already resulted in judgments against Gunvor. The trial continues with the defendant facing up to five years in prison.

A former Gunvor employee faces allegations of bribing high-level officials in the Republic of Congo for oil contracts, as a trial begins at a top Swiss court.

This rare case highlights Switzerland's $80 billion commodities trading sector. Swiss prosecutors started investigating in 2011, resulting in two prior rulings against Gunvor for corruption in Congo and Ivory Coast, with penalties exceeding 94 million Swiss francs ($111.5 million).

The unnamed defendant, a French national, denies the charges, though court documents allege he played an active role in corrupt payments exceeding $35 million. The trial is set to conclude Wednesday, with the defendant facing a maximum five-year prison sentence.

(With inputs from agencies.)