BP target of Azeri fraud probe

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LONDON, July 9 (UPI) -- A British newspaper reports energy company BP is under investigation for alleged bribery charges related to one of its contractors working in Azerbaijan.

BP is one of the largest international investors working in Azerbaijan. The Daily Telegraph newspaper reports that an unnamed contractor of the British supermajor revealed it was under investigation for bribery in the country.

BP, under the terms of British law, could be responsible for the actions of its contractor. However, the British newspaper reports that the supermajor is currently looking to end its relationship with the contractor.

The Telegraph reports that government agencies involved in the probe and BP haven't commented publicly on the matter.

BP recently picked the Nabucco West pipeline as a potential option to transport natural gas from the Shah Deniz II project in the Azeri waters of the Caspian Sea. The project is meant as a means to break the Russian grip on the European energy sector.

A final investment decision on the project is expected next year. The fraud allegations don't pertain to Shah Deniz, however.