Keppel, Sembcorp dismiss links to Petrobras corruption scandal

SINGAPORE: Oil rig builders, Keppel Corporation (Keppel) and Sembcorp Marine, dismissed Brazilian media reports linking them to the corruption scandal plaguing Brazilian national oil company, Petrobras.

In a filing to the Singapore Exchange on Monday and responding to media reports, Keppel said it had a Code of Conduct which prohibited bribery and corruption. 

"Our employees are required to conduct themselves with integrity and ethically in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate.

"We have made various contributions in Brazil that includes social welfare programmes, community activities and political donations but the contributions were made according to local laws and regulations which are documented in our respective records and audits," it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Sembcorp Marine denied making any illegal payment.

"Our group's policies and contracts prohibit bribery and unethical behaviour," it said in a statement, refering to various media reports relating to statements made by Petrobras former engineering manager Pedro Jose Barusco. 

Last week, Petrobras Chief Executive and five members of the board were forced to resign following the corruption scandal that has rocked the country for months.

The company lost up to US$33 billion in 2014 because of corruption and inefficiency.

Since the beginning of last year, Petrobras faced a wave of corruption allegations with two of its former directors arrested by federal police in "Operation Carwash", a special investigation into money laundering. 

Brazilian media reported that Keppel Fels Brasil and Sembcorp's Jurong Aracruz shipyard paid over US$6 million in bribes. 

The bribes were alleged to have been paid by representatives of Keppel and Sembcorp to Petrobras officials and directors of Sete Brasil, a subsidiary of Petrobras. - Bernama