Investigation of the Statoil Trespass Into Federal Minerals

OIG’s Energy Investigations Unit conducted a joint investigation with BLM’s Special Investigations Group to determine if Statoil Oil and Gas, L.P. (Statoil) drilled a well through unleased federally owned minerals and extracted and sold significant volumes of oil and gas. Our investigation confirmed that in December 2011, Statoil began drilling a well that later entered into unleased federally owned minerals. The well had been planned by Statoil’s predecessor, Brigham Oil & Gas L.P., and was drilled approximately 2 weeks after Statoil acquired Brigham Oil & Gas L.P. Statoil agreed to pay the Government the full value of the oil and gas produced.