A UK client sought to appoint a South African businessman to a senior position in a newly established fund. The company instructed Nardello & Co. to conduct due diligence on this individual to determine whether there were any issues of concern that might threaten the proposed relationship.

Nardello & Co. approached a number of sources to learn more about the background and reputation of the subject. Media reports linked this individual to allegations of contract irregularities at one of his recent employers, a state-owned entity. Sources at the company confirmed some of these allegations and said that these had prompted the subject’s recent dismissal from the company, a fact that had not yet reached the public domain. The company sources stated that there had been no suspicions of corruption, but it was felt that the job was beyond the subject’s capabilities. Sources within government circles indicated that this individual was an adept political player and maintained very strong connections within successive ANC administrations. Another former colleague indicated to us that the subject used these connections to fight professional battles.

Based on our findings, the client did not proceed with the appointment of this individual.