EFCC Arraigns Three Russians, Others for Illegal Oil Bunkering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned 14 foreigners alleged to be involved in illegal oil bunkering and three companies before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial city.

The commission revealed the prosecution in a statement signed by its Head, Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, on Wednesday.

The suspects were charged on a 4-count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.

The suspects include three Russians – Pakhladzhian Artur, Kretov Andrey and Shkundich Vasily; three Ukrainians – Laguta Oleksiy, Chepikov Oleksandr and Bilous Vitalli.

Other suspects are eight Filipinos – Cadavis Gerardo, Baduria Benjamin, Regidor Hilarion, Naranjo Allan Antero, Patero Christian, Alkyde Joel, Caratiquit Micheal Bryan, Ciudad Prudencio, Cabanal Anecito, Cabuquin Andres and Podutan Eduardo, with a Georgian – Agbarian Sergoand.

The companies involved are MT Anuket Emerald, Monjasa DMCC, and Glencore Energy UK Limited.
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft intercepted MT Anuket during a routine patrol within Nigerian waters on March 8, on suspicion of illegal oil dealing before handing over the vessel and its crew to the EFCC.
Investigation by the EFCC revealed that the registered owner of the vessel was Combe Shipping Limited and the beneficial owner was Alliance Tankers Incorporated.

The inquiry further exposed that the ship fled Panama Flag with IMO number 9393644 and it was discovered that Monjasa DMCC of Dubai UAE were chatterers of the vessel.