The report titled “Crude Dealings: How Oil-Backed Loans Raise Red Flags for Illegal Activity in South Sudan” exposes how a 2018 deal between Trinity Energy Limited and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) resulted in bribery, money laundering, and possibly violated the international sanctions imposed on South Sudan.
“As part of the deal, the government of South Sudan committed to award cargoes of crude oil to Trinity Energy. The deal skirted legislation on oversight, transparency, and competition and facilitated off-book government spending,” the report said.
“As part of the deal, the government of South Sudan committed to award cargoes of crude oil to Trinity Energy. The deal skirted legislation on oversight, transparency, and competition and facilitated off-book government spending,” it added.
In a statement, the Trinity Energy Limited denied any wrongdoing and described the findings as “defamatory allegations” and threatened that its legal team is working to determine an appropriate cause of action.
“Our attention has been drawn to the above report by The Sentry which unfortunately contains significant and defamatory allegations against our organization relating to activities from over four years ago,” it said.
“Trinity Energy would like to reassure the public and all our stakeholders that we remain committed to offering our customers world-class energy solutions. We seek to do this as a responsible corporate citizen that is committed to complying with all laws and regulations in the countries in which it operates.
“We will not be commenting further on this matter at this time and are working with our legal teams to determine an appropriate cause of action,” the statement added.