Energy giant Royal Dutch Shell has announced they are facing potential criminal charges relating to their operations in Nigeria.
The Dutch Public Prosecutor’s Office (DPP) in the Netherland’s are “preparing to prosecute Royal Dutch Shell,” Royal Dutch Shell have been told the DPP are concluding over the investigation.
The investigation is linked to a settlement that occurred in 2011 over oil prospecting disputes in Nigeria, known as OPL 245.
Shell with peer Eni has been hit with legal action relating to the oil district, a billion-dollar claim has been filled by the Nigerian government against the two companies over alleged fraud and corruption.
It has been alleged by the Nigerian government, that the funds were used for “bribes and kickbacks” and millions of dollars were diverted from Nigeria.
A separate criminal trial is being held in Italy and it has been further alleged, money was used to Malabu, a company controlled by Dan Etete, the former oil minister for Nigeria.
The oil giant reported huge underlying earnings of £16.3bn for 2018, and Shell revealed in January the largest profit haul in four years as earnings surged 36%.
The firm said on Friday, “As appropriate, we will provide updates as this matter progresses.”
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