Oil spill lands US executives in Brazilian court
Sunday 18 March 2012
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EmailBrazilian prosecutors said on Saturday that they will file criminal charges against 17 executives of US oil giant Chevron and drilling contractor Transocean for a new oil leak near the offshore well where at least 110,000 gallons spilled late last year.
Those targeted include George Buck, chief operating officer for Chevron's Brazilian arm.
Government spokesman Mr del Negri said prosecutors would file the charges including "environmental crimes" in court next week.
A federal judge signed an order on Saturday stopping the group from leaving the country.
The size of the new leak is unknown. Brazil's National Petroleum Agency said it had been detected when an oil slick appeared on the ocean surface.
Brazil's environmental protection agency has given Chevron until Tuesday to provide "detailed information on the action taken to mitigate the environmental impact" of the leak.
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