lesotho: Country Sends a Strong Message On Corruption

The Lesotho Court of Appeal made strong statements about corruption in developing countries when it recently confirmed the conviction of Canadian engineering contracting firm Acres International on a charge of bribery. Acres was found guilty of having bribed the CEO of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, Masupho Sole, to secure a lucrative contract for the construction of the Katse Dam. Sole, now in prison, received bribes totalling R12m from a number of international companies. On Tuesday German engineering company Lahmeyer International will be sentenced on seven counts of bribery. Next in line for prosecution is French company Spies Batignolles. Seven or eight other international companies have been charged.