A former Unaoil executive has pleaded guilty to five offences of conspiracy to give corrupt payments amid a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation.

Basil Al Jarah, 70, made the plea earlier this week in relation to the award of contracts to install and supply oil pipelines in Iraq.

In the same investigation, Stephen Whiteley, 64, from Aberdeen, and Paul Bond, 67, who are both formerly of SBM Offshore, have been charged with conspiracy to make corrupt payments.

Ziad Akle, 44, Unaoil’s Iraq territory manager, has also been charged with the same offence.

A trial has been set for January 13 next year at Southwark Crown Court.