+
IOC Probes 15-Year-Old Bribery Allegations by US Firm
ECONOMY & POLICY

IOC Probes 15-Year-Old Bribery Allegations by US Firm

State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has launched an internal investigation into allegations that US-based Albemarle Corporation bribed its officials 15 years ago to secure contracts. According to a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) order dated September 28, 2023, Albemarle allegedly paid approximately $1.14 million to an Indian intermediary and earned $11.14 million in profits between 2009 and 2011.

While IOC stated it is not a party to the US SEC proceedings, it has initiated a fact-finding review to understand the allegations and ensure appropriate action. The company emphasized its commitment to high standards of governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Albemarle, a global specialty chemicals supplier, settled the case in 2023 by paying a $198 million fine to US authorities. The SEC report detailed that Albemarle engaged an Indian agent despite internal warnings of potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The agent allegedly bribed senior IOC officials to avoid sanctions and secure contracts.

IOC, which operates 10 out of India’s 22 refineries with a combined capacity of 80.8 million tonnes annually, reassured stakeholders of its law-abiding practices. The company controls 40% of India’s fuel market.

The SEC order revealed that the Indian agent received a commission three times higher than Albemarle’s standard rates, facilitating corrupt payments to IOC officials and private customers. The arrangement enabled Albemarle to retain sensitive information and secure contracts in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, resulting in corrupt dealings worth over $63.5 million globally.

IOC’s internal review aims to reinforce its commitment to ethical practices while shedding light on these long-standing allegations.

State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has launched an internal investigation into allegations that US-based Albemarle Corporation bribed its officials 15 years ago to secure contracts. According to a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) order dated September 28, 2023, Albemarle allegedly paid approximately $1.14 million to an Indian intermediary and earned $11.14 million in profits between 2009 and 2011. While IOC stated it is not a party to the US SEC proceedings, it has initiated a fact-finding review to understand the allegations and ensure appropriate action. The company emphasized its commitment to high standards of governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance. Albemarle, a global specialty chemicals supplier, settled the case in 2023 by paying a $198 million fine to US authorities. The SEC report detailed that Albemarle engaged an Indian agent despite internal warnings of potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The agent allegedly bribed senior IOC officials to avoid sanctions and secure contracts. IOC, which operates 10 out of India’s 22 refineries with a combined capacity of 80.8 million tonnes annually, reassured stakeholders of its law-abiding practices. The company controls 40% of India’s fuel market. The SEC order revealed that the Indian agent received a commission three times higher than Albemarle’s standard rates, facilitating corrupt payments to IOC officials and private customers. The arrangement enabled Albemarle to retain sensitive information and secure contracts in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, resulting in corrupt dealings worth over $63.5 million globally. IOC’s internal review aims to reinforce its commitment to ethical practices while shedding light on these long-standing allegations.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Cabinet Clears Rs 15.07 Bn Greenfield Airport Project in Kota-Bundi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of Rs 15.07 billion.Kota, located on the banks of the Chambal River, is widely recognised as the industrial capital of Rajasthan and a prominent educational coaching hub. To support the region’s growing needs, the Government of Rajasthan has handed over 440.06 hectares of land to AAI for the project.The new Greenfield Airport will be designed to handle oper..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt may extend MSME NPA classification period to 180 days

The Union government is considering a proposal to extend the non-performing asset (NPA) classification period for loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the existing 90 days to 180 days, according to a senior government official who requested anonymity.“The proposal to extend the loan default period for MSMEs from 90 days to 180 days is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet soon,” the official said.The move is expected to provide relief to cash-strapped MSMEs, especially against the backdrop of steep US tariffs, giving them more time to regularise their loan repayments.Ne..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

FedEx, IIT Madras Launch SMART Centre for Sustainable, AI-led Logistics

FedEx has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to inaugurate the SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on the institute’s campus. The facility will drive innovation in sustainable and AI-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year $5 million grant from FedEx, the SMART Centre aims to combine advanced research, digital technologies, and industry expertise to transform supply chains with a focus on agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility.The centre will also spearhead interdisciplinary projects in ar..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?