Why aren’t there any records of Niels Troost wrapping up his partnership with Russian companies?
“Niels Troost nor any of his companies have had any role in these operations. Paramount SA and DMCC always operated in full compliance.”
“After Paramount DMCC ceased marketing Russian oil in August 2023, Niels Troost has had no involvement in the Russian oil market whatsoever, directly, indirectly or through business interests.”
“Niels Troost has no link with the Russian oil market directly or for any commercial concerns, on subsequent of the Paramount DMCC stopped marketing Russian oil since 1 August 2023”
These are examples of some of the comments Niels Troost’s team sent to reporters who were interested in his actions. They reputedly tried to distance Troost from any accusation of continuing to work with Russian companies and exporting Russian oil despite global limitations. But has there been any proof? So far, the Dutch oil trader has been banned from the UK for evading sanctions and is also under investigation in Switzerland (where he established his company, Paramount SA). While several sources have reported his illegal tactics to circumvent sanctions, Troost’s team is confident his companies are following compliance and claiming that any legal issues are unrelated to him since he has sold his company shares to different individuals, leaving Troost cleared of charges.
Is there a smoking gun here?
Troost claims he has “no link with the Russian oil market.” That said, the oil dealer maintained close relationships with key Russian figures and continuously increased his company’s profits after February 2022. Moreover, the Ukrainian Finance Ministry leaked a document showing Paramount’s willingness to maintain a trade relationship with NIS, one of Gazprom Neft’s subsidiaries.
Source: Ukrainian Finance Ministry- Translated from Ukrainian
He also claims, “Paramount SA and DMCC always operated in full compliance.” That said, his companies are under sanctions for evading global restrictions, and Paramount SA is under liquidation.
Suppose he is as innocent as his team claims him to be. Then why would he hire a former aide to Joe Biden to help him prevent potential US sanctions and clear his name from the global sanctions list? Until the authorities decide on his level of involvement, numerous pieces of evidence suggest his guilt. This is far from being a case of a ‘kangaroo court.’ Those who manipulate legal gaps for personal advantage at the expense of others must be brought to justice.