Three former executives of Polish energy company Orlen and one of its subsidiaries face up to 25 years in prison after prosecutors filed an indictment over crude oil supply contracts that allegedly caused losses of nearly $400 million.
According to prosecutors, the case centres on a long-running investigation into the loss of $378 million in advance payments made by Orlen for goods, primarily Venezuelan crude oil, that were never delivered.
The defendants are accused of failing to properly supervise and protect the assets of Orlen and its Swiss trading subsidiary, Orlen Trading Switzerland (OTS), by approving three crude oil purchase contracts that prosecutors say were detrimental to the companies and resulted in substantial financial losses.
Those charged include Michal R., a former member of Orlen’s management board; Marcin O., a former member of the OTS management board; and Filip W., a former executive director at both Orlen and OTS. In line with Polish privacy laws, prosecutors identified the defendants only by their first names and initials.
All three have denied any wrongdoing.
Prosecutors said the investigation is continuing into former OTS chief Samer A., who was detained in the United Arab Emirates last year. Poland has requested his extradition to face charges related to the case.
If convicted, the defendants could face prison sentences of up to 25 years under Polish law.
Leave a comment