Petrobras corruption scandal draws in Singaporean companies

Keppel and Sembcorp have been accused of paying US$9.5 million in bribes to Petrobras as investigations into the Brazilian oil company continue.

The two Singaporean companies allegedly paid officials of Petrobras, subsidiary Sete, and Brazil’s Worker’ Party to secure 12 contracts to build drillships, the Straits Times reports.

$4.5 million was supposedly supplied by an agent operating for Keppel’s Brasfels shipyard, and $5 million was reportedly paid on behalf of Jurong Shipyard, a Sembcorp subsidiary.

Both accused companies have previously denied the allegations, calling them baseless and unfounded. Both now say that they are not able to comment on the matter as legal proceedings are ongoing.

However, a Sembcorp spokesman told the Straits Times, “The group has a strict anti-bribery policy and does not condone any action that will result in the violation of any country’s anti-corruption laws. It also does not, and will not, tolerate any improper business conduct.”