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Oil refinery plant in the evening

Verifying a Buyer on the Ground

A European refinery was approached by a new buyer through an intermediary. The buyer presented themselves as a mandate for a trading company claiming to have the capacity to purchase several million barrels of crude.

Challenge

While their documentation looked in order, there were concerns that the company might be a “paper buyer” — existing only on paper without the operational or financial backing to complete a transaction. With the risk of wasted time, compliance issues, and reputational damage, the refinery required independent verification before engaging further.

Solution

GeoEnergy Advisors stepped in to conduct a comprehensive on-the-ground KYC verification. Our field team travelled to the buyer’s registered location, confirming the physical existence of the company offices and operational facilities. We conducted in-person meetings with company directors and administrative staff, reviewed original registration certificates, and checked local business filings against government records. Additionally, we validated banking relationships, trade references, and the company’s history of prior transactions in the energy sector.

Result

Our field investigation confirmed that the buyer was genuine, actively trading, and financially capable of supporting the refinery’s supply contract. By establishing the buyer’s credibility through both document validation and physical checks, GeoEnergy Advisors gave the refinery the confidence to proceed with negotiations. The transaction was completed smoothly, saving the refinery from potential losses and reinforcing their compliance with international KYC standards.

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