The long-running corruption case involving Bel Air Mining (BAM) has once again been delayed, after the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offences (CRIEF) postponed the opening of the trial to November 10, 2025. The Guinean State accuses the bauxite producer of acts of corruption in violation of Articles 771 of the Penal Code and Articles 3, 4, and 54 of the national anti-corruption law.
The case, which was expected to begin on October 20, was adjourned following a request from the defense’s substitute lawyer. The Public Prosecutor expressed frustration at the repeated absences of the company’s representatives since the beginning of the proceedings, calling on the Court to make this postponement the final one. Neither Bel Air Mining nor the civil party appeared in court during the latest session.
This development follows earlier reports dating back to March 2024, when judicial sources alleged that CRIEF had failed to pursue the case effectively, despite evidence uncovered by the National Gendarmerie’s Investigations Directorate. Data extracted from the phone of Karim El Ghawi, a Bel Air Mining employee, reportedly revealed irregular exchanges involving public officials. The company, however, has maintained that the issue stems from a personal dispute with a former staff member.
For Guinea’s mining sector, the ongoing case underscores the growing vigilance of national anti-corruption institutions and the increasing judicial oversight of foreign mining operators. Industry observers suggest that companies must strengthen compliance mechanisms, reinforce internal controls, and enhance transparency in local engagement practices to mitigate reputational and operational risks.
As the November hearing approaches, the Bel Air Mining case will serve as a litmus test for Guinea’s commitment to enforcing integrity in its mining governance framework.
