The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the UK has accused two former mining executives and an alleged “fixer” of bribing public officials in Sierra Leone to help a now-defunct UK mining company secure an environmental license for an iron ore mine and other benefits.

SFO Director Lisa Osofsky said, “International bribery and corruption have a devastating impact on local communities and global supply chains. We are committed to holding company executives to account, delivering justice for these communities and protecting the UK’s reputation.”

The individuals are suspected of paying bribes to secure London Mining with preferential treatment in Sierra Leone. Before collapsing in 2014, the company had operations around the world including Brazil, China and Colombia, all run out of its central London headquarters.

The individuals will appear before Southwark Crown Court on 14 July.