ENRC Ends Decade-Long Legal Battle With UK Fraud Watchdog

The dispute centers on a criminal investigation into mining contracts in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2009 and 2012, which the SFO abandoned in 2023 citing insufficient evidence. ENRC had sought roughly $166 million in damages, claiming the investigation caused massive losses, including $76 million in unnecessary legal costs and $90 million in financing penalties.

The High Court previously determined the SFO investigation would not have launched had the agency not prompted Neil Gerrard, a former Dechert lawyer representing the miner, to breach his duties. While a damages trial concluded earlier this year, both the firm and the SFO opted to settle before the court delivered a final ruling. This agreement follows a separate 2024 settlement regarding allegations that the agency leaked confidential information to the media.