Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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1821
Continued participation in the slave trade
Although Britain prohibited its Atlantic slave trade in 1807, the company continued operating and was publicly revealed to have maintained slave-trading activity within territory under its private control. The exposure contributed directly to the British government’s decision to abolish the company.
1772
Allegations of improper African Committee conduct
A series of pamphlets accused members of the African Committee of failing to conduct the company’s affairs properly. The episode reflected concerns about the accountability of a regulated company that combined merchant interests with public responsibilities and parliamentary support.