Olam Group

A summary of what happened?

Olam Group, headquartered in Singapore, is a leading global agribusiness involved in the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural commodities. Operating in over 60 countries, Olam has established significant ventures, particularly in Africa. However, the company has faced various controversies and allegations concerning its business practices.

1. Environmental Concerns in Gabon:

• Deforestation Allegations: Olam’s palm oil operations in Gabon have been scrutinized for environmental impacts. In 2016, the environmental organization Mighty Earth filed a complaint with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), accusing Olam of clearing over 24,000 hectares of forest for palm plantations, allegedly violating FSC’s Policy for Association. An FSC-commissioned assessment confirmed these findings, leading to ongoing mediation to develop remedial actions.
  Forest Stewardship Council

2. Financial Misconduct Allegations in Nigeria:

• Foreign Exchange Fraud Investigations: In 2023, reports surfaced that Nigeria’s secret police were investigating Olam’s subsidiaries for alleged involvement in a $50 billion foreign exchange fraud. The allegations claimed that Olam funneled substantial funds into the Central Bank of Nigeria through special purpose vehicles under the guise of capital importation at official rates. Olam denied these allegations, stating that internal investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing, and no charges were brought against the company.
  Nairametrics

3. Political and Economic Challenges in Gabon:

• Post-Coup Investment Scrutiny: Following the ousting of Gabon’s President Ali Bongo in 2023, Olam’s extensive investments in the country came under scrutiny. The new regime reviewed foreign investments, including Olam’s, to assess their alignment with national interests. Olam, as Gabon’s largest private sector employer, defended its investments, emphasizing their contributions to the country’s economy and employment.
  Olam Group

4. Stock Volatility and Investor Concerns:

• Market Reactions to Allegations: The financial misconduct allegations in Nigeria led to significant stock price volatility for Olam. Despite the company’s denials and lack of charges, investor confidence was affected, resulting in stock price declines and increased scrutiny from market analysts.
  The Wall Street Journal

5. Labor and Community Relations:

• Employment Practices: Olam’s operations, particularly in Africa, have been criticized regarding labor practices and community relations. Concerns include working conditions, fair compensation, and the impact of large-scale agricultural projects on local communities. Olam asserts its commitment to sustainable and equitable practices, but these issues have led to ongoing debates and calls for greater transparency.

Olam Group’s global operations have positioned it as a significant player in the agribusiness sector. However, the company has faced various controversies, including environmental concerns, financial misconduct allegations, and challenges related to political changes in operating regions. While Olam has addressed some of these issues through internal investigations and public statements, the company continues to navigate complex challenges inherent in its global operations.

Analyzing the Fake Copyright Notice(s)

Our team collects and analyses fraudulent copyright takedown requests, legal complaints, and other efforts to remove critical information from the internet. Through our investigative reporting, we examine the prevalence and operation of an organized censorship industry, predominantly funded by criminal entities, oligarchs, and disreputable businesses or individuals. Our findings allow internet users to gain insight into these censorship schemes’ sources, methods, and underlying objectives.

What was Olam Group trying to hide?

Olam Group‘s attempts to hide unfavourable content through the misuse of copyright notices while allegedly engaging in perjury present serious legal concerns. These actions suggest a calculated attempt to manipulate legal systems to suppress free speech, a fundamental violation of copyright law principles and an abuse of legal processes. The use of such tactics not only undermines the integrity of copyright protection but also potentially constitutes perjury, further entangling Olam Group in legal accountability. Let’s examine the information Olam Group may be trying to remove from the internet –

Investigative Report: Olam Group – A Global Agribusiness Under Scrutiny

Introduction

Olam Group, headquartered in Singapore, is one of the world’s largest agribusiness companies. Operating in over 60 countries, Olam manages vast supply chains for commodities such as cocoa, coffee, grains, and edible oils. The company has developed significant ventures in Africa, Asia, and South America, with a notable footprint in countries like Gabon and Nigeria. Despite its success, Olam has been repeatedly accused of environmental violations, financial misconduct, and unethical business practices. This report delves deeply into the controversies surrounding Olam Group, analyzing the allegations, lawsuits, and complaints it has faced.

1. Environmental Allegations

1.1. Deforestation and Palm Oil in Gabon

Olam Group’s palm oil plantations in Gabon have come under significant scrutiny for their environmental impact. Environmental advocacy groups, such as Mighty Earth, have accused Olam of engaging in large-scale deforestation to expand its plantations.

• Key Findings:
  • In 2016, Mighty Earth alleged that Olam had cleared over 24,000 hectares of forest in Gabon for palm oil plantations, violating the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) Policy for Association.
  • Investigations revealed Olam’s operations caused significant harm to biodiversity and local ecosystems.
  • The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) commissioned an independent review, which confirmed several of these allegations. In response, Olam entered into a mediation process with the FSC, committing to implement remedial measures.
• Criticism from Environmental Groups:
  • Advocacy organizations criticized Olam for using “greenwashing” tactics, promoting its environmental credentials while continuing harmful practices.
  • Despite Olam’s assertions of adhering to sustainable agricultural practices, the damage caused by its operations raised questions about the company’s commitment to sustainability.

1.2. Land Use and Community Impact

Olam’s agricultural projects in Gabon have reportedly displaced local communities and disrupted traditional livelihoods.

• Villagers near Olam’s plantations claimed that the company acquired land without adequate consultation or compensation.
• Critics argue that Olam’s expansion prioritizes profitability over the well-being of local populations, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities.

2. Financial Misconduct Allegations

2.1. Foreign Exchange Fraud in Nigeria

In 2023, Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS), launched an investigation into Olam International for alleged involvement in a $50 billion foreign exchange fraud. The accusations revolved around Olam’s alleged misuse of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) resources through the use of special purpose vehicles.

• Details of the Allegations:
  • Olam allegedly funneled funds into the Nigerian financial system, misrepresenting them as capital importations to secure preferential foreign exchange rates.
  • This practice, if proven, could constitute significant financial fraud, undermining Nigeria’s already strained foreign exchange reserves.
• Olam’s Response:
  • The company denied the allegations and initiated an internal review. Olam claimed that its review found no evidence of wrongdoing.
  • Despite the lack of formal charges against the company, the controversy significantly affected Olam’s reputation, leading to increased scrutiny from Nigerian regulators and international investors.

2.2. Stock Market Reactions

The allegations in Nigeria triggered stock price volatility for Olam. Investors expressed concerns over the potential financial and legal repercussions of the scandal.

• The company’s shares experienced a sharp decline, with market analysts citing uncertainty about its future regulatory compliance and operational integrity.

3. Political and Economic Scrutiny in Gabon

Olam’s extensive investments in Gabon, including its role as the largest private sector employer, have come under renewed scrutiny following the political upheaval in 2023. The ousting of Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba prompted the country’s new leadership to reassess foreign investments and partnerships, including Olam’s operations.

• Key Developments:
  • Olam’s close ties with the Bongo administration led to speculation about the fairness and transparency of its agreements in Gabon.
  • The company defended its investments, emphasizing their importance for Gabon’s economy and employment.
  • Critics argue that Olam may have benefited from preferential treatment under the Bongo regime, calling for greater transparency in its dealings.

4. Labor Practices and Community Relations

4.1. Worker Complaints

Olam’s operations in Africa have faced allegations of poor labor practices, including substandard working conditions and inadequate wages.

• Reports from Workers:
  • Employees in plantation and processing facilities reported long working hours with minimal breaks.
  • Labor unions in Gabon and other countries have accused Olam of resisting collective bargaining efforts, limiting workers’ ability to advocate for better conditions.

4.2. Community Relations

Local communities in Africa and Asia have raised concerns about the socio-economic impact of Olam’s projects.

• Displacement of villages and land grabs were recurring themes in complaints against the company.
• Critics claim that Olam has not provided sufficient compensation or community development initiatives to mitigate the negative effects of its large-scale projects.

5. Public Perception and Media Criticism

Olam Group’s public image has suffered due to repeated controversies. Environmental organizations, financial analysts, and local communities have been vocal in criticizing the company’s practices.

• Environmental Activists: Advocacy groups have consistently highlighted Olam’s contribution to deforestation and climate change.
• Media Outlets: Articles in major publications have scrutinized the company’s political connections, especially in Africa, and its role in perpetuating unsustainable agricultural practices.
• Shareholder Concerns: Institutional investors have expressed reservations about the long-term risks posed by these controversies, particularly regarding the company’s reputation and regulatory compliance.

6. Steps Taken by Olam

Olam has acknowledged some of the criticisms and taken steps to address them:

• Environmental Remediation:
  • Committed to reducing deforestation and improving sustainability standards in its operations.
  • Partnered with FSC to implement corrective measures in Gabon.
• Transparency Initiatives:
  • Publicly disclosed its policies on land use and community engagement.
  • Conducted internal reviews to address allegations of financial misconduct.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
  • Increased investments in community development programs, particularly in African countries where it operates large plantations.

Despite these efforts, critics argue that the measures have been insufficient to address the scale and severity of the allegations.

Conclusion

Olam Group, a global agribusiness powerhouse, finds itself at the center of numerous controversies that threaten to overshadow its accomplishments. From allegations of deforestation and land grabs in Gabon to financial misconduct in Nigeria, Olam faces challenges on multiple fronts. While the company has taken steps to improve its practices, skepticism remains about its commitment to sustainability, ethical labor standards, and transparency.

Key Recommendations for Stakeholders:

1. Governments: Strengthen regulatory oversight of multinational corporations like Olam, ensuring compliance with environmental, labor, and financial standards.
2. Investors: Demand greater transparency and accountability from Olam, particularly regarding its environmental impact and financial practices.
3. Civil Society: Continue to monitor and report on Olam’s operations, advocating for the rights of affected communities and workers.

Ultimately, Olam’s ability to address these controversies will determine whether it can sustain its position as a global agribusiness leader or remain mired in allegations of unethical practices.

How do we counteract this malpractice?

Once we ascertain the involvement of Olam Group (or actors working on behalf of Olam Group), we will inform Olam Group of our findings via Electronic Mail.

Our preliminary assessment suggests that Olam Group may have engaged a third-party reputation management agency or expert, which, either independently or under direct authorization from Olam Group, initiated efforts to remove adverse online content, including potentially fraudulent DMCA takedown requests. We will extend an opportunity to Olam Group to provide details regarding their communications with the agency or expert, as well as the identification of the individual(s) responsible for executing these false DMCA notices.

Failure to respond in a timely manner will necessitate a reassessment of our initial assumptions. In such an event, we will be compelled to take appropriate legal action to rectify the unlawful conduct and take the following steps –

Since Olam Group made such efforts to hide something online, it seems fit to ensure that this article and sensitive information targeted online by these events get a lot more exposure and traffic than what it would have received originally

We hope this becomes an excellent case study for the Streisand effect…The key idea behind the Streisand effect is that efforts to restrict information can backfire, often causing the information to gain more attention than it would have otherwise. This effect is widespread in the digital age, where users quickly notice and spread censorship efforts on social media and other platforms. Trying to suppress something can unintentionally lead to it becoming more visible, which Olam Group is finding out the hard way.

Potential Consequences for Olam Group

Under Florida Statute 831.01, the crime of Forgery is committed when a person falsifies, alters, counterfeits, or forges a document that carries “legal efficacy” with the intent to injure or defraud another person or entity.

Forging a document is considered a white-collar crime. It involves altering, changing, or modifying a document to deceive another person. It can also include passing along copies of documents that are known to be false. In many states in the US, falsifying a document is a crime punishable as a felony.

Additionally, under most laws, “fraud on the court” is where “a party has sentiently set in motion some unconscionable scheme calculated to interfere with the judicial system’s ability impartially to adjudicate a matter by improperly influencing the trier of fact or unfairly hampering the presentation of the opposing party’s claim or defense.”  Cox v. Burke, 706 So. 2d 43, 46 (Fla. 5th DCA 1998) (quoting Aoude v. Mobil Oil Corp., 892 F.2d 1115, 1118 (1st Cir. 1989)).

Is Olam Group Committing a Cyber Crime?

Yes, it seems so. Olam Group used multiple approaches to remove unwanted material from review sites and Google’s search results. Thanks to protections allowing freedom of speech in the United States, there are very few legal ways to do this. Olam Group could not eliminate negative reviews or search results that linked to them without a valid claim of defamation, copyright infringement, or some other clear breach of the law.

Faced with these limitations, some companies like Olam Group have gone to extreme lengths to fraudulently claim copyright ownership over a negative review in the hopes of taking it down.

Fake DMCA notices have targeted articles highlighting the criminal activity of prominent people to hide their illegal behavior. These people, which include US, Russian, and Khazakstani politicians as well as members from elite circles including the mafia and those with massive financial power, are all connected – and alleged corruption ranging from child abuse to sexual harassment is exposed when exploring evidence found at these URLs. It appears there’s a disturbing level of influence being exerted here that needs further investigation before justice can be served. Olam Group is certainly keeping interesting company here….

The DMCA takedown process requires that copyright owners submit a takedown notice to an ISP identifying the allegedly infringing content and declaring, under penalty of perjury, that they have a good faith belief that the content is infringing. The ISP must then promptly remove or disable access to the content. The alleged infringer can then submit a counter-notice, and if the copyright owner does not take legal action within 10 to 14 days, the ISP can restore the content.

Since these platforms are predominantly based in the U.S., the complaints are typically made under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which requires online service providers and platforms to react immediately to reports or violations. Big Tech companies rarely have systems in place to assess the merit of each report. Instead, all bad actors need to do is clone a story, backdate it, and then demand the real thing be taken down.

Reputation Agency's Modus Operandi

The fake DMCA notices we found always use the “back-dated article” technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a “true original” article and back-dates it, creating a “fake original” article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original.

Then, based on the claim that this backdated article is the “original,” the scammers send a DMCA to the relevant online service providers (e.g. Google), alleging that the ‘true’ original is the copied or “infringing” article and that the copied article is the “original,” requesting the takedown of the ‘true’ original article. After sending the DMCA request, the person who sent the wrong notice takes down the fake original URL, likely to make sure that the article doesn’t stay online in any way. If the takedown notice is successful, the disappearance from the internet of information is most likely to be legitimate speech.

As an integral part of this scheme, the ‘reputation management’ company hired by Olam Group creates a website that purports to be a ‘news’ site. This site is designed to look legitimate at a glance, but any degree of scrutiny reveals it as the charade it is.

The company copies the ‘negative’ content and posts it “on the fake ‘news’ site, attributing it to a separate author,” then gives it “a false publication date on the ‘news’ website that predated the original publication.

The reputation company then sent Google a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice claiming the original website infringed copyright. After a cursory examination of the fake news site, Google frequently accepts the notice and delists the content.

In committing numerous offences, Olam Group either premeditated actions or were unaware of the consequences. Despite hiring an agency to make Google disregard any negative information about Olam Group, ignorance does not excuse this wrongdoing.

Fake DMCA notices have targeted articles highlighting the criminal activity of prominent people to hide their illegal behavior. These people, which include US, Russian, and Khazakstani politicians as well as members from elite circles including the mafia and those with massive financial power, are all connected – and alleged corruption ranging from child abuse to sexual harassment is exposed when exploring evidence found at these URLs. It appears there’s a disturbing level of influence being exerted here that needs further investigation before justice can be served. FSMSmart is certainly keeping interesting company here.

The Reputation Laundering

Rogue Reputation agencies use spurious copyright claims and fake legal notices to remove and obscure articles linking clients to allegations of tax avoidance, corruption, and drug trafficking. Most of these reputation agencies are based offshore, mainly in Russia, India, and Eastern Europe, and they do not worry about complying with US-based laws.

The content in all of the articles for which the fraudulent DMCA notices have been sent relates to allegations of criminal allegations, including corruption, child abuse, sexual harassment, human trafficking and financial fraud against businesses and individuals with ultra-high net worth.

In addition to the misuse of the DMCA takedown process, there is a notable absence of enforcement concerning perjury violations. The statutory requirement related to perjury is designed to deter copyright holders from submitting fraudulent or knowingly false takedown requests, as they may face legal consequences for making false declarations under penalty of perjury. However, to date, there have been no known instances of any individual being prosecuted for perjury in connection with the submission of false DMCA takedown notices.

This lack of enforcement has emboldened copyright holders to exploit the DMCA takedown process to suppress dissent, criticism, or other unfavorable content, without fear of legal repercussions.

Some of the people and businesses who have employed this tactic to remove legitimate content from Google illegally include a Spanish businessman-turned-cocaine-trafficker, Organised crime, an Israeli-Argentine banker accused of laundering money for Hugo Chávez’s regime, a French “responsible” mining company accused of tax evasion, child molesters and sexual predators. Olam Group is in great company ….

What else is Olam Group hiding?

We encourage you to ‘Dork‘ Google by searching for keyword combinations such as [Olam Group] + {Negative Keyword, such as Scam, Fraud, Complaints, Lawsuit, Sanction, etc} on Google. It’s likely if you scroll down to the bottom of this Google search results, you’ll stumble upon this Legal Takedown notice (pictured below)

To make such an investigation possible, we encourage more online service providers to come forward and share copies of content removal requests with industry experts and researchers. If you have any information on Olam Group that you want to share with experts and journalists, kindly email the author directly at [email protected].

All communications are strictly confidential and safeguarded under a comprehensive Whistleblower Policy, ensuring full protection and anonymity for individuals who provide information.