Norway Charges PetroNor Subsidiary, Two Citizens Over Alleged Congo Oil Bribes

Norwegian prosecutors (Økokrim) have indicted two individuals and a PetroNor E&P subsidiary, Hemla Africa Holding, alleging large-scale bribery and accounting violations tied to securing PNGF Sud offshore oil license interests in the Republic of Congo from 2016 onward. The indictment describes ownership stakes granted to relatives of Congo’s president, interest-free loans and forgiven payments, monthly payments and dividends totaling tens of millions, and a disguised campaign payment; the case prompted international cooperation and further inquiries in multiple jurisdictions.