+
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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Products

Interio by Godrej launches modular workplace solutions

Interio by Godrej has launched Workscapes, a modular workplace solutions category designed to help organisations configure and adapt workspaces to changing requirements. The portfolio combines mobile and compatible furniture and support elements that can be rearranged across different work modes without changes to fixed layouts.Workscapes includes Collaboration Tables, Privacy Solutions, Mobile Markerboards and Space Dividers, Power Solutions, Storage and Support Elements, Meeting and Presentation Tools, and Seating Elements. The range is designed for focused work, collaboration, informal disc..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

CAFE-III Gives Auto Industry Investment Clarity

The government’s new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE-III) norms have provided the automobile industry with a clearer framework for technology investments, according to industry representatives. The framework seeks to balance environmental objectives with flexibility for manufacturers while encouraging the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles and biofuels. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Shenu Agarwal said the five-year framework would give automakers greater predictability to plan investments and accelerate innovation. He said the regulation established annual targ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Mines Ministry to Auction Two Offshore Mineral Blocks in Andaman Sea

The Ministry of Mines will launch an auction of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea on Thursday, seeking to unlock India’s offshore mineral potential and strengthen long-term mineral resource security. The blocks will be offered under a composite licence, which permits exploration and development activities in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework. The ministry said the auction was intended to encourage systematic exploration, attract investment and promote the use of advanced technologies for offshore mineral exploration and development. The initiative is also aimed..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code