PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A family-run business in Vancouver is being sued by an African nation for evidence in a large-scale fraud investigation.

The Republic of Malawi filed a federal lawsuit in April against Columbia Gem House, which it alleges had an exclusive partnership with an African mine. In May, a judge ordered the company to hand over 20 years of records to the country to assist with its investigation, but on Monday that decision was set aside.

"Columbia Gem House has been a pioneer of ethical gemstone sourcing for over 50 years, and Malawi’s false accusations were antithetical to its core beliefs," said Eric Braunwart, who owns the business.

Malawi's attorneys argued the mine produced sapphires and rubies not found anywhere else, and that the business running it had underrepor

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