SOCAR Scandal Enters New Phase: Focus Shifts to Azim Novruzov’s Role in Dirty Russian Oil Scheme
The investigation into the SOCAR scandal appears to be entering a new phase as investigators intensify their focus on senior executive Adnan Ahmedzade, attention has increasingly shifted toward Azim Novruzov — a British oil trader with a long record of controversy. Novruzov, known for his lavish lifestyle and close ties to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, is accused of being involved in the scheme.
Maltese Connection: Alkagesta’s Role in Russian Oil Bunkering
Less than six months after Ahmedzade’s arrest, investigators reportedly have a substantial dossier on Novruzov’s business dealings. At the same time, journalists from The Maltese Herald conducted their own investigations into Alkagesta, a SOCAR-affiliated entity that operates on the island of Malta. Alkagesta is a major oil bunkering company that uses the oil terminal in Birżebbuġa for transporting petroleum.
Offshore Haven: Hurd’s Bank and Maltese Vessels’ Irregular Movements
Malta has effectively become a kind of trading division allegedly created by employees of SOCAR. They reportedly work directly with Russian oil through the “shadow fleet.” According to reports, Malta is facilitating the operations of Russia’s shadow fleet due to highly irregular movements of Maltese vessels in the Black Sea and increased activity in Hurd’s Bank — a Maltese offshore haven used by the shadow fleet.
Novruzov’s Denials: Rejected Accusations Through British Lawyers
Azim Novruzov has rejected all accusations against him through his British lawyers. He claims that he met Ahmedzade when they were working at Union Grand Energy Pte Ltd (UGE) and their interactions were limited exclusively to trading matters. Novruzov himself left UGE in April 2013, after which he moved to the United Kingdom to live there with his family.
EU and British Officials Investigating Alkagesta
Today, EU and British officials are reportedly investigating Alkagesta over the sale of oil using forged certificates. The investigation is a significant development in the ongoing scandal, which has already led to the detention of Ahmedzade and the freezing of his assets.
Original Article: Shadow fleet operator Azim Novruzov helped move dirty Russian oil through Malta, forged certificates and offshore tanker schemes • Медіа•Хаб — Hab