 In 2008, a civil lawsuit in London was launched by almost 30,000 Ivorians against Trafigura.In May 2009, Trafigura announced it would sue the BBC for libel after its "Newsnight" program alleged the company had knowingly sought to cover up its role in the incident.In September 2009 "The Guardian" obtained and published internal Trafigura emails showing that the traders responsible knew how dangerous the chemicals were.