1-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) announced on Wednesday (May 31) that it has initiated an investigation into Seatrium, a marine engineering company. Seatrium was formed earlier this year as a result of the merger between Singapore’s leading offshore and marine companies, Sembcorp Marine and Keppel Offshore & Marine (KOM).
The CPIB stated, “Acting on received information, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has commenced investigations into Seatrium Limited and individuals from Seatrium Limited on alleged corruption offenses that occurred in Brazil.”
When asked if the alleged offenses by Seatrium were connected to a multimillion-dollar bribery case involving former KOM employees and Brazilian oil giant Petrobras, the CPIB declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations. The bureau stated, “As investigations are ongoing, CPIB will not be able to provide further details at this juncture.”
CNA (Channel NewsAsia) reached out to Seatrium for their response, but no comment has been received thus far.
In January, six former senior management staff members of KOM were issued stern warnings by the CPIB regarding the Petrobras case. The warnings were given in lieu of prosecution for offenses punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
These offenses involved bribe payments to Petrobras officials in relation to rig-building contracts awarded to KOM by Petrobras or its affiliated companies.
The six former employees were not prosecuted in the multimillion-dollar bribery case due to insufficient evidence to establish their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah stated in Parliament on Feb 6 that, “Simply put, there is a lack of sufficient evidence, either documentary or through witnesses, which would establish any criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt against a specific individual.”
In its statement on Wednesday, the CPIB reaffirmed its commitment to investigating corrupt activities without fear and stated its willingness to take action against any parties involved in such activities.
On Apr 28, Seatrium announced that preliminary administrative proceedings against its Brazilian subsidiary, Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz, had been suspended. This came after the subsidiary was revealed to be under investigation for “alleged irregularities” in its practices.
