Somiphos, Algeria’s government-operated phosphate mining enterprise, and Amit Gupta, the proprietor of Agrifields DMCC, a Dubai-based company specializing in fertilizer and phosphate trading, are two distinct entities in the industry.

According to Sydney Morning Heralds’ award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie, Amit Gupta is an “alleged corporate crime kingpin and fugitive from justice” who “has built a global business worth an estimated $800 million.” McKenzie further claims that Gupta “had backed a political coup on the small Pacific island of Nauru by bribing multiple politicians who had plotted to topple the government.”

In 2020, “the AFP moved to seize multiple properties and bank accounts connected to Gupta in Australia, Singapore and New York worth an estimated $200 million.” In 2023, Gupta faced an attempted extradition by the Australian government and is currently subject to a global travel ban due to an Interpol Red Notice. As a result, Gupta is unable to leave his base in Dubai.

Agrifields Tycoon Amit Gupta [PHOTO: Agencies]Nick McKenzie says “Banking records suggest Gupta’s companies also paid suspected bribes to senior Algerian officials for mining concessions in Africa”.

Amit Gupta has significant business connections with Somiphos, also referred to as Société Des Mines De Phosphate or Ferphos, in Algeria. This association is highlighted by the recent revelations. Somiphos, the state-owned phosphate enterprise, predominantly conducts its business through Gupta’s company, Agrifields DMCC.

What is particularly concerning is how a state-owned entity engages with an individual under criminal investigation for bribery, involving high-level officials such as the former President, the justice minister, and the current President of Nauru, as reported by ABC.

Additionally, Amit Gupta faces various charges, including money laundering, fraud, account manipulation, and forgery, as........

© The Eastern Herald