$100 Million Penalty for Export Violations
Texas company to pay $100 million for export violations to Iran, Syria, Cuba, and Other Countries
– Fine is largest civil penalty ever levied by the Bureau of Industry and Security
Weatherford International Ltd. in Houston, Texas, and its subsidiaries agreed to the allegations that Weatherford exported oil and gas equipment to Iran, Syria and Cuba in violation of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR).
BIS also alleged that Weatherford exported items controlled for nuclear non-nonproliferation reasons to Venezuela and Mexico. The fine is the largest civil penalty ever levied by BIS.
Justice is imposing criminal fines pursuant to guilty pleas by two of Weatherford’s subsidiaries.
“Serious consequences ensue when companies evade U.S. sanctions and export controls,” said Under Secretary for Industry and Security Eric L. Hirschhorn.
There are several charges where Weatherford International proceeded with knowledge that a violation would occur.
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