British National Michael Lomas Faces Extradition to South Africa Over R745 Million Eskom Bribery Scandal

In a significant development, a British national implicated in a high-profile bribery scandal involving South Africa’s state-owned power utility, Eskom Holdings, has lost a legal battle to avoid extradition. Michael Lomas, a former contractor for Eskom, is wanted in South Africa on charges related to a R745 million bribery case tied to the construction of the Kusile power plant.

A London court ruled against Lomas’s appeal to block his extradition, dismissing concerns raised by his legal team regarding the risk of suicide if he were sent to South Africa. In the ruling, Judge Charles Bourne stated, “It is very hard to see how the appellant, a frail elderly man, would succeed in taking his life after being searched for dangerous objects and when surrounded by the escorting team.” This ruling marks a critical step forward for South African prosecutors who have been pursuing Lomas for several years.

Lomas, who was arrested in London in 2021, is facing over 41 charges of corruption linked to alleged bribes paid between 2015 and 2017. The bribes were reportedly paid to secure lucrative contracts with Eskom, specifically involving the Kusile power plant, one of South Africa’s largest and most controversial infrastructure projects.

If convicted, the 77-year-old Lomas could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years. His case is part of a broader crackdown by South African authorities, who have been actively pursuing those involved in corruption during the presidency of Jacob Zuma. The push to extradite Lomas gained momentum in December 2022, when South African prosecutors successfully secured the right to bring him to trial in the country.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by South Africa in addressing the deep-rooted corruption that has plagued its state institutions. Eskom, in particular, has been at the center of numerous corruption scandals, which have severely impacted the utility’s operations and contributed to the country’s ongoing energy crisis.

As the legal proceedings unfold, neither Lomas’s lawyers nor Eskom representatives have offered any immediate comments on the ruling. The case continues to draw attention as South Africa seeks justice for one of the most significant corruption scandals in its recent history.

Description: A British national involved in a R745 million Eskom bribery case faces extradition to South Africa after losing a legal bid in London. Michael Lomas, a former Eskom contractor, is accused of over 41 charges of corruption related to the Kusile power plant project. The case is part of South Africa’s efforts to address corruption during the Jacob Zuma era.