(August 15, 2003) Acres International, an Oakville, Ont.-based engineering firm, lost its appeal today against a bribery conviction in a Lesotho court. Acres had been found guilty of paying an official to win contracts in one of Africa’s largest water supply projects, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Appeal Judgment – Crown v. Acres International Ltd.
(August 15, 2003) The Lesotho Court of Appeal judgment in full, confirming the conviction of Acres International Limited on Count 1 and setting aside the conviction on Count 2.
British court denies request to halt Belize dam construction
(August 15, 2003) A London court denied a petition from environmental groups to halt construction on a
hydroelectric dam in a rain forest in Belize.
Iraq Revenue Watch
(August 14, 2003) Iraq Revenue Watch is a new monitoring project dedicated to promoting transparency in the management of Iraq’s oil revenues and to ensuring the benefits of national oil wealth flow to the people of Iraq.
Decision on Canadian firm’s appeal expected tomorrow
(August 14, 2003) A decision is expected tomorrow on an appeal launched by Canadian engineering company Acres International against its conviction and R22-million fine for corruption in relation to one of Africa’s largest water supply projects.
PRESS RELEASE Acres’ landmark bribery conviction upheld
(August 15, 2003) Acres International, an Oakville, Ont.-based engineering firm, lost its appeal today against a bribery conviction in a Lesotho court. Acres had been found guilty of paying an official to win contracts in one of Africa’s largest water supply projects, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Privy Council decision on request to halt Belize dam construction (PDF format)
(August 13, 2003) Britain’s Privy Council concludes that “the grant of an injunction at this stage would entail a greater risk of ultimate injustice than its refusal.”
The taint of the greased palm (Part II)
(August 10, 2003) Officials rarely solicit bribes. Instead, they work so slowly, sloppily and arbitrarily that people see no hope of getting the services they are entitled to without offering a tip “pa’ el refresco,” literally, “for a soda.”
The taint of the greased palm (Part I)
(August 10, 2003) In Mexico, just as sure as a new leader’s pledge to clean up the corruption of his predecessor is the certainty that his successor will, in a few years, be doing the same.
Spain to host donors’ meeting in fall
(August 7, 2003) Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has announced that Spain will host the international donors’ conference for Iraq this autumn. Although a conference date has not been set, a preparatory meeting will take place in September.
Iraq: opportunities flow to Bulgaria
(August 7, 2003) Mohammed Amin Ahmed, former Iraqi ambassador in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia from 1995 to 1999, said he was sure Iraq’s $1.7bn debt to Bulgaria would be paid back when life in his country returns to normal.
Canadian firm appeals Lesotho verdict
(August 6, 2003) Lesotho’s highest court is hearing an appeal by a Canadian engineering company against its conviction and R22-million fine for corruption related to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Ombudsman releases report on Lesotho Highlands Development Authority and affected communities
(August 6, 2003) The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority should pay interest on delayed compensation for communities affected by the giant Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s Phase 1B, Ombudsman says.
Legal fight doesn’t stop construction
(August 6, 2003) For the last several years the often harsh debate over construction of a hydroelectric dam on the upper Macal has been largely academic. That is, while the pros and cons of the Chalillo project were argued in the press and courts, the river kept right on rolling, oblivious to the increasingly rancorous exchange.
Kicking corruption in Kenya
(August 3, 2003) Mwai Kibaki, the new President of Kenya, is kicking corruption where it hurts, firing crooked government cronies and holding public officers to account. After 24 years of corrupt rule, Kenyans are rediscovering hope.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
Fan Xiao
Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
Probe International
Lisa Peryman
Probe Media
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Probe International 