301 - 05/03 - Bonny light oil fraud (update)

301 - 05/03 - Bonny light oil fraud (update) - Nigeria

Further to LP Bulletin 287 02/03 that gave details of the fraudulent Nigerian Bonny Light oil transactions that had occurred, we would like to advise Members that further cases are still being reported. In a recent case a fraudulent letter from Midwest Petroleum International Inc was sent to the vessel detailing the correct master’s name with references to personal friends and an offer of commission of $50 000 for the successful completion of the transshipment. A request for the vessel to fax a copy of the NOR and ETS is also mentioned, including transaction code LD-79, to various specific fax numbers. Correspondence apparently from the vessel was also produced on the ship’s own headed paper, stamp and varied styles of the master’s signature. In these the master detailed the cargo onboard and the consignee as Mid West Petroleum Intl Inc, ETA and is apparently demanding the payment of his commission. We would advise all Members to take great care when accepting shipments of Bonny Light oil and if in any doubt to contact the Club’s investigative unit Signum Service Limited.

Source of information: Loss Prevention Department