British company probed over gas exports

Financial police in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan are investigating allegations that a British company illegally exported gas worth almost £1.5bn (€2.2bn) to Russia.

The Anti-Economic Crime and Corruption Agency said the alleged illegal exports were carried out over the past few years and the company – BG Karachaganak Distribution and its subcontractor Orensal – is suspected of failing to pay Kazakhstan’s government £3m (€4.4m) in taxes for the exported fuel.