Sevan Drilling implicated in Petrobras scandal

Over the weekend, Norwegian investigation unit Økokrim raided several offices belonging to offshore services firm Sevan Drilling, seizing documents related to illegal bribes the company allegedly paid to Brazilian national oil company Petrobras.

An investigation regarding illegal payments made between 2005 and 2008 exchange for contracts is ongoing. Media reports suggest that executives at the Brazilian state-owned company provided investors with privileged information contracts between Petrobras and Sevan.

“The possible wrongdoings identified are connected to individuals who have left Sevan,” Sevan Marine, which wholly owned Sevan Drilling until May 2011, said in a statement.

Multinational offshore drilling company Seadrill became a minority shareholder in Sevan Drilling in December 2011, acquiring a 28.5-percent stake. In July 2013, Seadrill increased its share to 50.11 percent.

“The company will co-operate if requested to do so by any and all authorities in relation to the ongoing investigation,” Seadrill stated in a press release.

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