An investigation by KPMG has confirmed reports of collusive practices at Dragon Oil, which saw employees override internal controls for financial reward. The 'irregularities' were originally discovered by the oil company's internal audit department, which then handed the case over to KPMG for a thorough investigation. According to the firm's preliminary findings, individuals in the oil company's marketing and contracts department obtained financial benefits for themselves by securing 'improper payments' from certain contractors. Since the identification of the irregularities, Dragon Oil has contacted contractors that may have been involved. The company said it will make every effort to minimise any disruption to operations while it deals with KPMG's findings. The oil explorer's chief executive, Dr Abdul Jaleel Al Khalifa, said: 'The board is greatly reassured by the preliminary findings from the investigation, which confirm our initial understanding that there will be no material impact on the Group's financial positionWe have already replaced the managers involved and appropriate steps have been taken following the identification of these irregularities.'