Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) has raided the headquarters of NIS Petrol, a local subsidiary of Serbian oil company NIS, which is majority owned by Russian GazpromNeft, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged data leaks on Romania’s oil deposits to Russia via Serbia.
According to Romanian media, DIICOT is investigating illegal transmission of data on Romania’s oil deposits and illegal access of some systems of NIS Petrol. Allegedly, the company transmitted the results of its findings to Russia, instead of informing the relevant Romanian authorities first.
NIS Petrol is performing hydrocarbon exploration activities within its concessions in western Romania and operates a network of fuel stations under the Gazprom Petrol brand.
Serbia is already under pressure due to its close ties to Russia and this investigation will only make things worse for the country, according to President Aleksandar Vucic. He did not rule out the possibility of NIS’ guilt, but pointed out that no Serbian citizens were involved in the scandal.
