The Norwegian Economic Crime Authority (Økokrim) dealt a major blow this Monday, January 26, in Oslo. Two Norwegian citizens and the company Hemla Africa Holding (a subsidiary of the oil group PetroNor ) have now been charged with "aggravated corruption." At the heart of the case is a massive bribery scheme that allegedly directly benefited President Denis Sassou-Nguesso and his inner circle.

A complex financial arrangement

The investigation, triggered by a suspicious transaction to a Monegasque bank, revealed a corruption scheme spanning the last ten years:

1. The deal: Secret payments made in exchange for obtaining oil permits in the Republic of Congo.
2. The arrangement: The Norwegian subsidiary Hemla held 75% of a local structure (HEPCO), while the remaining 25% belonged to MGI International , a company controlled by associates of the Congolese president.
3. The loot: According to the prosecution, regular dividends were paid to the presidential family, representing a benefit of at least $24.68 million through 2024.

Large-scale international cooperation

To dismantle this network, Økokrim received substantial assistance from several nations, including France, the United States, and Monaco. While the Norwegian justice system is targeting the corruptors (Norwegian citizens and the company), it has clarified that it lacks the legal jurisdiction to prosecute the Congolese beneficiaries outside of Norway.

"The two defendants ensured that dividends were regularly paid [...] to the president through his close family." — Extract from the indictment.

The reactions

1. PetroNor: The group strongly contests the accusations made against its subsidiary and says it looks forward to explaining itself in court.
2. Brazzaville: For the time being, the Congolese authorities have not issued any official comment on this matter.