As the SFO announces that it is investigating Unaoil for bribery, Fountain Court duo Richard Lissack QC and Robin Barclay have been instructed by Clifford Chance’s Luke Tolaini to represent Unaoil. Richard and Robin will provide counsel on UK legal matters, and liaise with authorities in other jurisdictions. The instruction follows allegations by Fairfax Media and the Huff Post that the company facilitated corruption in the oil industry across North Africa and the Middle East.
Authorities in the US, Australia and UK are investigating Unaoil. However, the company denies the allegations against it, claiming it is the victim of extortion and theft.
The company estimates damages in excess of US$100 million from the corruption scandal and has said it will sue Fairfax Media, although no writ has been issued yet.
