· Tank Storage Check
The prosecution over non-existent oil: why documents are not proof
A Dutch prosecution describes an alleged attempt to sell oil that did not exist. It is a useful reminder that reports, samples and confident explanations require independent verification.
A reported attempt to sell inventory that was not there
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service reported in February 2026 that it had sought sentences in a case concerning an alleged attempt to sell two million barrels of crude oil, valued at around EUR 150 million, that did not exist. The buyer became suspicious and no payment was made.
The apparent evidence was part of the risk
According to the prosecution service, the case involved forged documents, false identities, company clothing, unauthorised tank-site activity and reports sent to prospective buyers. The lesson is not that every document is false; it is that a document cannot authenticate itself, particularly when it supports a request to release funds.
What to verify before the payment stage
Verify the source and authority behind inspection records, confirm storage and inventory with the actual facility through independently established channels, and reconcile every document to the same counterparty, location, tank and timeframe. If the evidence trail breaks, pause rather than filling the gap with assumptions.