front Lourens Horne and Harry Carlse
Witness set to hand key documents to South African investigators
By Kim Sengupta and Jonathan Brown
27 August 2004
A computer expert in possession of a list which reveals the identities of the rich and influential figures who allegedly backed the Equatorial Guinea coup plot has become an important witness for the prosecution.
The Independent has learnt that James Kershaw is preparing to give evidence in South Africa in any future trial of Sir Mark Thatcher, who is accused of involvement in an alleged plot to depose the president of the oil-rich west African state.
Mr Kershaw, 24, is believed to be in possession of what has become known as the "Wonga List" - details of people, including public figures in Britain, who allegedly bankrolled an attempt by mercenaries to overthrow the regime of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema and replace it with members of exiled opposition groups.
It is claimed that in return the backers would have been paid millions of pounds by the new government, as well as landing lucrative oil contracts.
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http://news.independent.co.uk/world/africa/story.jsp?story=555542Young British accountant's 'Wonga List' preoccupies investigators
Documents show that a J H Archer (Lord Archer's initials) paid Mr Mann £74,000 by credit transfer four days before the former soldier was arrested.
Lord Archer's representatives have stressed that he had "no prior knowledge" of the coup and he now "considers the matter closed".
Also drawn into the controversy is the millionaire businessman David Hart, who advised Baroness Thatcher during the miners' strike and remains close to her.Mr Hart was named by Mr Mann in a letter from prison, pleading for help from his friends. Mr Hart has denied any involvement in the alleged coup plot.
It has also emerged that Mr Mann had approached Gianfranco Cicogna, a millionaire telecoms company owner who has among his friends the socialite Taki Theodoracopulos. Mr Cicogna said he refused an invitation to invest in a "project in Equatorial Guinea".
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http://news.independent.co.uk/world/africa/story.jsp?story=555541