London Mining Plc
The SFO launched an investigation into suspected bribery and corruption at London Mining Plc in 2016.
The SFO alleges that Graeme Hossie, Rachel Rhodes and Ariel Armon paid bribes in Sierra Leone so that London Mining would receive favourable treatment in the progression of the mining business.
Graeme Hossie and Rachel Rhodes were charged in relation to two counts of corruption between the years of 2009 to 2012 and then 2010 to 2014. Ariel Armon was charged for one count in relation to corruption between the years of 2010 to 2014.
The SFO’s case is now closed.
Case timeline
12 February 2026 – The SFO informed Southwark Crown Court it was no longer proceeding with this prosecution.
Following a thorough review, we have concluded that the evidence in this prosecution no longer satisfies the Full Code Test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors in that there is no realistic prospect of conviction.
This prosecution related to suspected bribery between 2009 and 2014. A combination of factors, including significant delays to trial, difficulties obtaining and reviewing material and challenges with witness evidence, means we can no longer satisfy the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
This decision reflects our commitment to making timely judgements about where to focus our resources.
This concludes the SFO’s investigation into London Mining.
15 December 2025 – 7 April 2026 trial vacated. Mention hearing set for 6 February 2026.
31 Jan 2025 – A confirmed trial date was set for 7 April 2026.
17 Oct 2024 – The trial date was adjourned by the judge and a provisional trial date of 7 April 2026 was set.
14 Jul 2023 – The three defendants appeared at Southwark Crown and pleaded not guilty. A trial date was set for January 2025.
2 Jun 2023 – SFO announces investigation as Graeme Hossie, Rachel Rhodes and Ariel Armon are charged with corruption and ordered to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 June 2023.
See our past press releases under “News” on the SFO’s National Archives page.
Support for victims and witnesses
Thank you to witnesses for supporting the SFO’s cases, you should have received a letter direct from the Serious Fraud Office.
Updates to this page
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The SFO’s case is now closed.
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Update to the timeline in this case.
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First published.