- CALGARY, Alberta: Canadian oil and gas company Niko Resources Ltd.
- has been fined more than $9 million after admitting in court that it bribed a Bangladeshi government minister with the use of a vehicle and a trip to North America.
Niko Resources pleaded guilty Friday to providing goods or services to influence the acts or decisions of a foreign state.
The fines total $9,499,000 Canadian ($9,750,794).
The value of access to the vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, was CA$190,984 ($196,046) and the value of travel was CA$5,000 ($5,132).
The company agreed to a statement of facts read in court.
The bribes were made after explosions at one of Niko’s natural gas fields resulted in protests in a nearby village and elevated concerns about the environment surrounding the property.
Niko operates mostly in India and Bangladesh but also explores, develops and produces natural gas and oil in Pakistan, Kurdistan, Indonesia, Trinidad and Madagascar.