Unaoil is a Monaco-based company
that Huffington Post has just called “the corruption factory.” The
accusations on the company are specific and are based on a six month
investigation documented with e-mails.
The role of Unaoil,
according to Huffington Post, is to play the middle men between Western oil
companies and oil-rich states, passing on bribes to critical individuals to
secure contracts for a significant commission. Allegedly, this gives Western
companies “plausible deniability” and allows decision-makers in oil rich
countries to cash-in political influence. Their range of operation includes
Iraq, Iran, Lybia, Kuwait, and the Assad regime in Syria.
The multi-million dollar
company is run by the Aksani family and is said to have a cream of the crop
global clientele that includes royalty and business elites. They are also known
for their charitable work and real estate in London. The company not only
categorically denies any allegation of corruption, but has since 2007 been
certified by anti-corruption agency Trace International for its clean and
bribery-free business in a not-so-clean industry in which business and politics
mingle unusually a lot.
While this may not be the
only company accused of doing the same sort of business, The Huffington Post
has gained access to leaked emails of the company, which are in the hands of
Fairfax Media. These e-mails have allowed for very specific accusations.
Iraq
In Iraq, Unaoil was
operating on behalf of Australian, Italian, German, Dutch, British and US-based
clients: Saipem, Rolls-Royce, FMC Technologies, Cameron, MAN Turbo,
Weatherford, and Leighton Offshore.
Between 2004 and 2012
Unaoil is accused of paying at least $25 million in bribes in Iraq, to secure
the support “greedy” officials, including a Deputy Prime Minister, an Oil
Minister, the Director General of the South Oil Company, and other top oil
officials. Bribes ranged from $1,000 to multi-million lump sums. Money was also
channeled to Italian Eni officials running the tender for the giant Zubair oil
field. Iraqi officials, including former Deputy Prime Minister
Dr
Shahristani deny any wrongdoing.
Iran
In Iran, Unaoil
“represented” Weir Pumps, ABB, Elliott and Japan’s Yokogawa. Prior to the end
of the embargo, apparently Unaoil used front companies to circumvent embargo
restrictions. There are fewer names in terms of Iranian contacts.
Lybia
Unaoil was also
well-connected with the Colonel Gaddafi regime, operating in Lybia since 2004.
A key connection of the company was Mustafa Zarti, a confidant for the Gaddafi
regime. In Lybia, theyr represented Malaysia’s Ranhill, Korea’s ISU, and
Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas.
Kuwait and Abu Dhabi
In Kuwait the contact of
the company is referred to by the nickname “big cheese.” Unaoil was representing
US-based FMC Technologies. In Abu Dhabi Unoil represented the Indian
conglomerate Larsen & Toubro.
Syria
In Suria Unaoil represented
a British company,Petrofac, helping them to secure contracts with Assad
regime’s petroleum companies in 2008-2009. However, from the communication it
appears that the client was not aware of the bribing process.
https://neurope.eu/article/unaoil-corruption-factory-middle-east/