Fuelling the sanction busters
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n0verloading and hazardous goods regulations in certain parts of the world clearly leave plenty of scope for a spot of risky profiteering. This Turkish truck is one of hundreds that have beaten United Nations sanctions on Iraqi oil by filling giant tanks in Iraq and selling the fuel back in Turkey for a vast profit.
Turkish customs turn a
blind eye although with tanks this size it must be difficult — but a Mail on Sunday report suggests that bribes from the drivers help smoOth the crossing. Some drivers make several return trips a day — not surprising when the fuel
from Iraqi-controlled Kurdistan realises 400% profit in Turkey.
A tank holding 900 litres sells for nearly £900 — but one look at the rickety, leaking, makeshift contraptions would give any hazchem expert a heart attack. Saddam Hussein benefits by accruing much needed foreign currency in dollars and Turkish lira. The whole crooked operation, responsible for £500,000 of oil a week