Vincent Bolloré sued for corruption and money laundering in Africa

A billionaire investor is facing serious legal troubles over accusations of corruption in Africa. Vincent Bolloré, the largest shareholder in Universal Media Group, is being sued for allegedly using bribes and fraud to build his business empire on the continent. The lawsuit has been filed by a coalition known as "Restitution for Africa," which includes organizations from five different countries. They claim that Bolloré, along with his son, engaged in corrupt practices to gain shipping rights in African ports. This included bribing officials and supporting two presidents in exchange for lucrative deals. According to the lawsuit, Bolloré and his son later “laundered” the money they gained through these activities by selling their logistics company for over $6 billion in 2022. The coalition is asking the court to take this money and redistribute it to communities in Togo, Guinea, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon, where the alleged corruption occurred. Bolloré has a significant presence in the music industry, having invested in famous artists like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar. However, he has faced previous investigations for corruption and human rights abuses related to his businesses in Africa. Concerns have been raised over the treatment of workers in his companies, which include allegations of land grabbing and other abuses. Universal Music Group and Bolloré’s investment firm, Vivendi, have not responded to requests for comment on the situation.