In an episode that could have echoes of past problems at grading labs, HRD Antwerp has fired four diamond graders for “unprofessional actions” and is conducting an internal investigation to see if there was “possible inappropriate conduct,” according to a statement.

“HRD Antwerp is fully committed to take appropriate actions in line with the results of the internal investigation which is still ongoing,” a statement said.

General manager Georges Brys says it is soon to know if the graders had inappropriate contact with clients.

“The only factual information is that four people have done an unprofessional act,” he says. “[Otherwise], it is too early to say.”

Brys declines to specify what the act was, for the purpose of the investigation.

He notes that if there were determined to be inappropriate conduct, HRD would also notify local law enforcement.

HRD Antwerp’s primarily shareholder is Antwerp Diamond World Centre, the Belgian industry group.

JCK