Leighton Offshore / Iraq Crude Oil Export pipelines: bribes via Unaoil (Australian prosecutions, from 2010 to 2026)
In 2011 Leighton Holdings reported to the Australian Federal Police suspected improper payments by its Singapore-registered unit Leighton Offshore on two Iraq Crude Oil Export contracts (from 2010 to 2011) worth about US$1.46bn that required Ministry of Oil and South Oil Company approval. The AFP alleged bribes were funnelled through Unaoil-linked entities; the reported total was about $45m. Former CFO Peter Gregg's false-accounting convictions were quashed (October 2020); a Brisbane man was charged in November 2020 (arrest warrants for two overseas); in January 2026 former COO David Savage was fined A$1,000 after pleading guilty to Corporations Act disclosure breaches, not bribery.
- Period
- From 2010 to January 2026
- Sector
- Foreign bribery (Iraq-related)Oil export pipelines (onshore or offshore)
- Kind of case
- Criminal prosecution
- Jurisdiction
- Australia
How the money moved
Commissions paid to intermediaries (Unaoil and associated companies) to secure approvals from Iraqi oil officials for pipeline contracts.
What happened
Limited outcomes: one quashed conviction, a disclosure-offence fine; bribery charges against individuals pending or overseas (according to AFP 2020).
Open questions
- Outcome of the November 2020 Brisbane bribery case and overseas warrants.
- Iraqi officials allegedly bribed (AFP: Ministry of Oil targets), any Iraqi action?
People and companies
| Name | Role in the case | Legal status | Detail | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Savage ديفيد سافاج | Former COO, Leighton Holdings | Convicted (reported) | Pleaded guilty to misleading the board (Corporations Act disclosure breach); fined A$1,000, Downing Centre Local Court, January 2026; not charged with bribery. | 25 September 2026 |
| Peter Gregg بيتر غريغ | Former CFO, Leighton Holdings | Conviction quashed | Two false-accounting convictions quashed by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal (October 2020). | 25 September 2026 |
| Leighton Offshore Pty Ltd / Leighton Holdings (now CIMIC) لايتون أوفشور / لايتون القابضة | Contractor | Not charged as of the date of writing | Self-reported to AFP in 2011. | 25 September 2026 |
Sources
- Australian Federal Police18 November 2020Prosecutor press releaseTier A
Brisbane man arrested, two international warrants issued in foreign bribery investigation
OriginalFor Leighton Offshore Pty Ltd to be awarded the two contracts, which had a combined value of approximately USD 1.46 billion, approvals were required from the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and the South Oil Company of Iraq.
- Sydney Morning Herald1 October 2020Press reportTier D
"Substantial miscarriage of justice": ex-Leighton Holdings CFO Peter Gregg has convictions quashed on appeal
Originalhas had two convictions of falsifying the company's books quashed
- The Age30 January 2026Press reportTier D
$1000 fine for hiding $45 million in bribes
Originalhas been fined $1000 for covering up the payment of $45 million to corrupt Iraqi politicians