MOSCOW, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Russian oil producer Lukoil said Tuesday it began the steps to restart operations in Romania, where activity was halted during a financial crimes probe.
Lukoil said last week it handed over documents at its refinery in Ploesti amid allegations of tax evasion and money laundering.
The company said it halted production and commercial operations at its Romanian refinery earlier this week when its bank accounts and commercial reserves were suspended. Following an appeal lodged in the Romanian courts, the company said Tuesday it started the procedures necessary to resume operations.
The company last week said there were no issues between it and Romania's tax or law enforcement officials. Arrears were made to state authorities and high quality products were supplied to the Romanian market, the company said.
Lukoil has been servicing the Romanian market since 1998 and is one of the largest companies of its kind operating there.
Romanian authorities suspected Lukoil of damages of approximately $250 million.
