Monjasa, Former Co-Owner Jacobsen Acquitted After Alleged Fraud

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday November 20, 2017

The High Court in Denmark today acquitted bunker company Monjasa and former co-owner Jan Jacobsen in an appeal case regarding allegations of over-invoicing.

"This strong and complete acquittal of Monjasa by the High Court is the verdict we expected. Monjasa has strongly disputed these allegations from the very start and we now regard this case as closed and look to the future," said Group CEO, Anders Østergaard.

As Ship & Bunker previously reported, last year the company was accused and found guilty of over-charging a customer to the tune of DKK24 million ($3.6 million) over 24 deliveries by allegedly collaborating with people onboard the customer's vessels to deliver less fuel than was stated on their invoices.

Jacobsen, who following the verdict stood down from the board, in September of this year then sold his 50% stake in the business to Østergaard, saying that following the interim defeat and ongoing trial it was "the most responsible consideration towards Monjasa and its many global business partners."

"I strongly oppose the first instance court ruling and instantly appealed the ruling. Now, I will focus on winning the case by the end of this year," Jacobsen added at the time. 

Local media reports that the appeal case, which began on October 23, saw the introduction of new documents and new witnesses in the case.

In its verdict, the court found, amongst other things, that it could not be shown that the volume of fuel stated on the invoices had not been delivered, with calculations based on noon-reports showing it was unlikely the ships could have completed certain traveled distances had the alleged short delivery taken place.

"We continue to focus on our 2,000 strong customer relations, emphasising our ISO-certified quality management, and operating well within industry compliance requirements," said Østergaard.

"This year, we are seeing positive financial developments across the Monjasa Group. This demonstrates that our core business is healthy and that our many proactive adjustments to fit the new normal in shipping and bunkering are paying off."