Kazakh-based mining giant Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) has discontinued a libel claim against the Financial Times and one of its journalists over articles about ‘dirty money’ and the deaths of three potential witnesses to alleged corruption.

The former FTSE 100 company sued Tom Burgis over two articles published in the FT based on research for his 2020 book Kleptopia: How Dirty Money is Conquering the World.

ENRC had also sued Burgis and publisher HarperCollins over ‘very serious’ allegations made in Kleptopia, which the company said meant that it had three people murdered ‘to protect its business interests’ – claims which are ‘highly disputed’.

But the case collapsed earlier this month after Mr Justice Nicklin ruled that references to the three alleged murders and an alleged poisoning would not be taken by an ‘ordinary, reasonable reader’ to refer to ENRC.

Financial Times newspaper

ENRC yesterday discontinued the claim against Burgis and the FT

Source: Alamy

‘Only individuals can carry out acts of murder or poisoning, only individuals can be motivated to do so to protect their business interests,’ the judge said, adding: ‘It would appear to me that the consequence of this ruling is that the claimant’s case must be dismissed.’

ENRC yesterday discontinued a separate claim against Burgis and the FT, with a spokesperson for the company saying: ‘In light of Mr Justice Nicklin’s finding that the book, Kleptopia, does not contain the allegation of murder against us, we feel somewhat vindicated in having brought these actions [and] having publicly achieved this clarification, which can be used by us to mitigate the damage that has been caused.

‘We continue to dispute many allegations contained within the book, including corruption, in the strongest possible terms.’

Burgis said on Twitter: ‘It is more vital than ever to stop oligarchs using law firms to silence the press. So I’m delighted to say that the latest attempt to do that against me and the Financial Times just failed.’

Roula Khalaf, editor of the FT, said: ‘I’m pleased to hear of ENRC’s decision to withdraw a claim that was always without merit and had put Tom Burgis under enormous strain. The FT and all our reporters, including Tom, will continue to investigate the activities of businesses and individuals, however powerful or wealthy.’