One of the largest commodities trading companies in the world, Swiss-based Trafigura pleaded guilty to charges related to a corruption scheme involving Brazilian authorities and Petrobras that lasted more than a decade, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) said. acronym in English) this Thursday, 28.
The lawsuit alleges that Trafigura bribed members of the Brazilian government between 2003 and 2014 to guarantee the closing of deals with Petrobras, according to a statement from the DoJ. The company reached a US$126 million agreement to end the US department’s investigations.
“Today’s guilty plea highlights that when companies pay bribes and undermine the rule of law, they will face significant sanctions,” said DoJ Criminal Division Chief Nicole Argentieri, emphasizing that the department remains determined to combat bribery practices. and holding those who violate the law accountable.
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The indictment claims that Trafigura profited around US$61 million from the scheme. The statement reports that, starting in 2009, the company and associates agreed to make bribe payments of up to US$0.20 per barrel of petroleum product traded between Trafigura and Petrobras. Those involved allegedly disguised bribery payments through shell companies, channeling transactions through intermediaries who used offshore bank accounts to deliver money to Brazilian authorities.
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Tags: Trafigura pleads guilty corruption scheme involving Petrobras
