UN Confirms Zimbabwe Investigation, Denies Diamond Smuggling

The United Nations confirmed on Wednesday that an independent probe is being conducted to verify if U.N. Development Fund (UNDP) vehicles were used to smuggle diamonds from a mine in Zimbabwe. The UNDP denies any involvement.

The investigation is focused on the River Ranch diamond mine in Zimbabwe and a dispute between Bubye Minerals and River Ranch Limited over ownership of the mine.

A lawyer representing Bubye made the initial smuggling allegations to the UN, claiming that the rival company, with the aid of UNDP, smuggled diamonds out of Zimbabwe. River Diamonds Limited has denied the charge.

UNDP Spokeswoman, Cassandra Waldon, said, “No UNDP vehicle has been used in any illegal activity.” Waldon added that similar allegations had been made and investigated earlier this year. “No illegalities” were found in that instance.

UNDP is not conducting a separate inquiry into the case. “We will await the results of the investigation and UNDP will determine whether any further action is warranted,” Waldon said.

Last week, the World Diamond Council (WDC) singled out Zimbabwe and Venezuela at its annual congress in Jerusalem for not meeting Kimberley Process standards on rough diamond trade. Failure to control their local rough diamond trade makes the two countries likely candidates for expulsion from the process.