Italy’s ENI to Stand Trial in Algerian Corruption Case

An Italian judge ordered Italian oil major Eni, oil services group Saipem and former Eni CEO Paolo Scaroni to stand trial  in a long-running case of alleged bribery in Algeria

“In relation to court proceeding for the alleged bribery case relating to Saipem’s activities in Algeria, Eni acknowledges that the new GUP (judge for the preliminary hearing) in charge of the case decided the commitment for trial for Eni,” The Milan-based oil company said in a statement.

“Eni continues to deny any illegal conduct and is confident that this will be ascertained in court proceeding,” ENI added.

The long-running case revolves around allegations Saipem paid intermediaries around €198 million ($218 million) to bag contracts worth €8 billion with Algeria’s state-owned Sonatrach.

The corruption trial is scheduled to begin in Milan on Dec. 5, legal sources told Reuters.

Under Italian law, companies are responsible for the actions of their managers and can be fined if found guilty.