The scandal, reported in the Sydney Morning Herald this morning, revealed inconsistencies between Indian and Australian financial reports. Adani’s Abbot Point T1 coal terminal and their rail and port expansion projects could in fact be controlled by a complex network of companies run through the Cayman Islands.
“Prior to the election, the Queensland Government was preparing to take a stake in these projects. Now it turns out they may not have known if these projects were owned by a publicly listed Indian company or a shadowy group of companies run through a tax haven,” said Ms Tager.
“It’s critical that these explosive revelations are investigated before any of Adani’s coal developments can proceed further,” said Greenpeace Reef Campaigner Shani Tager.
In Adani’s home country of India, the company has been fined for a raft of illegal activities, including paying cash bribes to port officials, customs, police and local politicians to receive “undue favour for illegal exports”.
Just last month Environmental Justice Australia released a report questioning Adani’s suitability to operate in Queensland given their track record.
“We already know Adani doesn't play by the rules. This is a coal billionaire who will do whatever it takes to make a quick buck,” said Ms Tager.
“The only sensible response to these revelations is a comprehensive investigation into the Adani Group’s suitability to operate in Queensland given the potential impact of their plans for a mega coal mine, rail line and port in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef,” Ms. Tager said.
“The public deserves to know who Adani really is, and why we are letting his dodgy companies anywhere near our Great Barrier Reef,” concluded Ms. Tager.
Video footage and photographs of Abbot Point terminal available here: www.greenpeacemedia.org Username: photos Password: green
For images or more information, contact:Elsa Evers 0438204041 or Shani Tager, 0432 050 809