(Schlumberger) Oil-Field Giant in Bribery Probe .

[maddezmom]

Source: WSJ

The Justice Department has begun looking into allegations of possible bribery in Yemen several years ago by Schlumberger Ltd., the large oil-services company.

The allegations concern contract payments Schlumberger made to a consulting firm with ties to Yemen's government at a time when Schlumberger sought approval to create an oil-exploration databank in Yemen, as described by two people familiar with the matter and by company documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

The investigation is at an early stage. Investigators have been in touch with former Schlumberger employees who say they have knowledge of internal allegations made at the company, and of internal Schlumberger probes of those allegations, said people familiar with the matter.

Schlumberger compliance director Dianne Ralston said the company "has an embedded, robust culture of accountability and compliance, training our employees to report concerns, thoroughly investigating issues raised and taking appropriate action. This is a long-term commitment Schlumberger has made everywhere we operate around the world." Justice Department investigators declined to comment.


Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704631504575532332768800728.html?mod=WSJEUROPE_hpp_LEFTTopWhatNews

[rfranklin]

1. What a surprise!

Is there no honor among thieves?