Following allegations of its involvement in a bribery scandal with Petrobras in Brazil, Singapore’s Keppel has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against any form of illegal activity, including bribery and corruption, involving its employees or associates.
In a statement on Tuesday, the company said it would take all necessary steps to eradicate such conduct if discovered.
Keppel said that according to recent media reports, Zwi Skornicki, a person named responsible for paying the bribes on behalf of Keppel FELS in Brazil, was arrested in Brazil on February 22, 2016.
Namely, the Brazilian police on Monday carried out searches and arrests as part of its ongoing corruption investigation, Operations Car Wash.
Keppel referred to its earlier announcement on February 9, 2015 in relation to allegations made by Pedro Jose Barusco in Brazil that illegal payments were made by Zwi Skornicki in connection with contracts entered into between certain Keppel entities with Petrobras and/or Sete Brasil.
Keppel had since put the agency relationship with Skornicki on hold pending determination by the relevant authorities into the allegations made on the matter.
“We are unable to comment further in view of the ongoing investigations in Brazil,” Keppel concluded.
Back in February 2015, Keppel refuted the allegations on Keppel FELS’ involvement in the scandal surrounding Petrobras.
Offshore Energy Today Staff