Glencore ex-oil chief Beard pleads not guilty to bribery charges in London

Alex Beard, Glencore's former head of oil trading, pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to make corrupt payments to West African officials, in a case brought by the UK Serious Fraud Office. The charges stem from alleged payments to advance Glencore's operations in Africa, continuing a pattern of corruption investigations into the company. The trial outcome could affect Glencore's legal exposure and reputation in the commodities sector.