In 2013, Grupa Azoty Police, under an agreement with DGG Eco sp. z o.o., acquired 550 shares in African Investment Group S.A. (AFRIG S.A.), a Senegalese company. The purpose of this investment was to initiate the development of a phosphate mine, a critical raw material for producing phosphate fertilizers.

In 2018, an agreement was signed between Grupa Azoty Police and DGG Eco sp. z o.o., officially terminating Grupa Azoty Police’s involvement in the phosphate mine project. This decision was made despite the knowledge of individuals managing the project on behalf of Grupa Azoty Police that DGG Eco sp. z o.o. lacked the financial resources to meet its obligations to the Polish company.

Significantly, according to the complaint, prior to signing the agreement, Grupa Azoty Police received a credible offer from a major international investor expressing interest in collaborating on the phosphate mine and constructing a phosphoric acid plant nearby. During this period, the investor acquired a 45% stake in AFRIG S.A. from a minority shareholder, demonstrating the project’s potential and the viability of joint development opportunities between Grupa Azoty Police and the investor.

Despite the prospects for collaboration and awareness of DGG Eco sp. z o.o.’s lack of funds, Grupa Azoty Police decided to proceed with the agreement, resulting in a reported financial loss of no less than PLN 180 million, as outlined in the complaint filed with the prosecutor’s office.