Friend of Khelil’s wife distributes Sonatrach’s incomes

Italy’s Saipem suffered from debts and payment problems with Algeria’s energy group Sonatrach but it won many billion-deals. This was in return for appointing the son of Sonatrach’s CEO as the Italian CEO’s advisor in Algeria, according to investigations.

Suspect A. Z. who was a friend of Algerian former energy minister Chakib Khelil’s wif had suspicious relationships with many foreign oil companies. She played a mediation role for the appointment of the son of Sonatrach’s CEO.

M. M. R. the son of Sonatrach’s CEO Mohamed Meziane told investigators he got a job at Saipem as its General Director’s advisor since 2006. He was asked to talk with his father about the company debts towards Sonatrach. Yet, Meziane told him he was not the owner of the Algerian company.

The mediator A. Z. supported the Italian company in gaining many oil and gas deals and projects worth $11 billion with the blessing of Khelil.

Earlier, Saipem’s CEO Pietro Franco said he got bribes with the help of Sonatrach’s officials to divide up the deals on the Italian group.

The Italian company reinforces its chances in entering the Algerian market with the help of Khelil following many meetings abroad between him and its officials.