According to media reports, another oilfield services provider, Global Industries Ltd, is conducting an internal investigation into possible illegal payments in its West African operations. Specifically the company is looking into a subsidiary’s reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by a customs agent in connection with shipments of materials and the temporary importation of vessels into West African waters (likely Nigeria).

The Audit Committee of the company said that it decided to launch the investigation after observing the FCPA settlement of competitor, Vetco Gra, as well as other recent press releases by Tidewater, Inc., Noble Corporation and GlobalSantaFe Corp. disclosing that they are conducting internal investigations into similar operations.