Hormuud Telecom, Somalia’s largest telecommunications company, is at the center of a major scandal involving the illegal importation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran. Investigations have uncovered evidence of corruption, safety violations, and the bypassing of international sanctions.
Illegal LPG Imports from Iran
Hormuud Telecom has been bringing in Iranian LPG while disguising its origin. The company claims the gas was imported from Iraq, but vessel tracking data contradicts this claim. The Basrah Gas Company, the only authorized LPG exporter in Iraq, has denied supplying the gas.
Documents show that the vessel AL Diab II, which transported the shipment, did not load the LPG from Basrah Gas Company’s Qasr Terminal as Hormuud claims. Instead, tracking data suggests the vessel may have sourced the cargo from Iran.
Evasion of U.S. Sanctions
Iran is under strict U.S. sanctions, making it difficult to track shipments leaving the country. This loophole allows Hormuud to purchase LPG at lower prices from Iran and resell it for massive profits.
By participating in this trade, Hormuud is indirectly supporting Iran’s energy sector, which is under economic restrictions due to its nuclear program and regional policies. This revelation could strain Somalia’s diplomatic relations with the U.S. and other international partners.
Lack of Safety Oversight
Authorities in Somalia, including Customs and the Coast Guard, have little control over verifying LPG imports. There is no mechanism to check whether the gas is legally sourced or meets safety standards.
The consequences of importing substandard LPG are already being felt. Reports from Mogadishu indicate a rise in gas cylinder explosions, causing fires, injuries, and property destruction. Without proper quality control, Somali consumers remain at risk.
Corruption and Cover-Ups
The involvement of Hormuud Telecom in this illegal trade raises serious corruption concerns. The company has been able to operate without scrutiny, suggesting high-level collusion.
Despite clear evidence of fraud, authorities have taken no action. The government has remained silent, and regulatory bodies have not conducted thorough inspections of the imported LPG.
Leaked Documents Confirm the Fraud
Investigative journalists have obtained:
- A letter from Basrah Gas Company denying any involvement in the LPG shipment.
- Vessel tracking records showing discrepancies in the ship’s journey.
- Photos and internal documents exposing the smuggling operation.
This evidence confirms that Hormuud’s claims of importing LPG from Iraq are false. The company is engaging in a deceptive scheme that endangers public safety and violates international laws.
Will the Government Take Action?
With mounting evidence, the question remains: Will Somali authorities investigate Hormuud’s involvement in this illicit trade, or will they continue to ignore the scandal?
If no action is taken, the country risks diplomatic fallout and ongoing safety risks for its citizens. Meanwhile, the corrupt dealings of one of Somalia’s most powerful companies continue unchecked.