Ethical procurement forms the bedrock of responsible business conduct, representing an unwavering commitment to integrity, fairness, and strict adherence to compliance standards across all procurement activities. However, the procurement landscape is persistently challenged by ethical risks such as bribery, fraud, and conflicts of interest, which can severely erode business value, damage stakeholder trust, and lead to significant legal and financial repercussions.

Procurement is essential for businesses, managing funds and investment decisions. Effective procurement—acquiring the right product at the right time and price—generates significant cost savings and maintains competitiveness through strategic sourcing, supplier management, and negotiation. Conversely, poorly managed procurement can negatively impact earnings. As well, inventory management is crucial to procurement, as purchasing unnecessary or excessive inventory, even at favorable prices, can lead to costly storage, especially for perishable goods. If so, ineffective inventory control burdens finance and reduces profitability.

Procurement scams involve fraudulent activities by employees or vendors to secure projects or manipulate contracts. These unethical practices include duplicate invoices, collusion with favored suppliers, and other deceptive actions. Such behavior damages a company’s reputation and can lead to the loss of key customers and suppliers. As stated by Price Waterhouse (2022) , the energy, utilities, and mining sector, which includes Oil & Gas companies, experienced a significant increase in fraud over the past year. In 2019, 23% of organizations in this sector reported fraud incidents, which was higher compared to the global average of 13%.

Despite being a serious offense, procurement fraud is often driven by personal gain or revenge, with perpetrators disregarding the risks. Organizations combat this through robust internal controls, vendor due diligence, segregation of duties, and transparency. They also implement ethics policies and codes of conduct, establish reporting hotlines, and conduct regular audits to detect and prevent fraud ( Husser et al., 2014 ).

Simultaneously, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) published a report specifically on occupational fraud in the Oil & Gas industry. Their study found that the median loss due to purchasing fraud in this sector was $200,000, with 14.5 months being the median duration of fraud before detection ( Saudi Aramco, 2014 ). Additionally, it is estimated that globally, Oil & Gas companies lose approximately 5% of their annual revenue due to various forms of deception. Considering the significant revenues earned by the industry, this translates to billions of dollars lost each year ( Department of Communication, 2017 ).

According to the National Whistleblower Center ( https://www.whistleblowers.org/oil-gas/ ), the 2016 Global Fraud Survey shows that, in the Oil & Gas and mining industry, 43% of employees would engage in fraud to meet financial targets and 35% would engage in fraud to help a business survive a downturn. As well, the 2020 Global Study on Fraud and Abuse by Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the energy sector was the fifth most affected by fraud in the previous 12 months and the second-highest industry under the survey’s listing of median loss from fraud ( Jordan & Zauner, 2021 ).

A code of business also called a code of conduct or ethics, provides guidelines and principles for acceptable behavior within an organization. It acts as a moral compass, promoting integrity, transparency, and responsible actions in all business operations, reflecting the organization’s values, mission, and vision, and guiding employee decision-making and behavior at all levels. It emphasizes core principles like honesty, respect, fairness, and accountability, establishing a positive and ethical work environment. Key components of a code of business often include guidelines on conflicts of interest, diversity and inclusion, confidential information protection, legal and regulatory compliance, fair competition, and responsible financial management. It may also cover environmental sustainability, health and safety, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption. In parallel, other various factors influence it: 1) Favoritism being the most prevalent unethical issue in UAE Oil & Gas procurement; 2) Organizational culture playing a significant role in mitigating unethical behavior; 3) Correlation between the prevalence of unethical bribes and employee pension contributions; 4) Weaknesses in financial audit systems within company procurement committees.

In an era of rapid technological advancement, the present authors believe that artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are emerging not only as tools for operational optimization but also as powerful mechanisms for bolstering transparency, enhancing accountability, and ultimately fostering a culture of ethical conduct within procurement processes. If bribery, fraud, conflicts of interest, codes of conduct, hefty fines, and imprisonment, for instance, only respect the human and the law perspective, certainly the technological dimension may take on this wicked problem (like obesity, drug trafficking, nuclear weapons, homelessness, and social injustice) with no definitive and ultimate solution.

Under this imperative of ethical procurement in the digital age, the present literature review examines key ethical challenges faced by purchasing management, with some focus on the Oil & Gas industry. It is structured as follows: Sections 2 and 3 discuss some realities of Oil & Gas procurement and SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act)-UAE anti-fraud law. The subsequent Section 4 with its 7 sub-sections sections explores various fraud-related topics, including ethical theories, conflicts of interest, bribery, and social responsibility. Section 5 stresses the role of AI, blockchain and IoT in this matter. This writing concludes with a broad summary and list of references.

Procurement in the Oil & Gas industry differs significantly from procurement due to its nature and specific requirements such as ( Brindle & Delday, 2018 ):

1) Global scope and scale: Oil & Gas companies are often multinational corporations operating in multiple countries with various legal and regulatory frameworks. Their activities involve supply chains spanning exploration, drilling, production, transportation, and distribution, complex operations that require managing relationships with numerous suppliers, contractors, and service providers across different regions ( Figure 1 ).

2) High-risk environment: The Oil & Gas industry operates in a high-risk environment, dealing with hazardous materials, complex machinery, and often extreme conditions. Specialized equipment and services, such as offshore drilling rigs, are required. Procurement in this industry necessitates strict adherence to safety standards to protect human life, the environment, and other assets. Ethical considerations involve ensuring suppliers and contractors meet safety regulations, have adequate certifications, and employ responsible practices ( Figure 2 ).

3) Regulatory compliance: Oil & Gas companies must navigate a web of regulations. Compliance with local, national, and international laws is crucial throughout the purchasing process. These regulations cover areas such as environmental impact, health and safety, labor rights, anti-corruption, and revenue transparency. Ethical procurement management involves assessing suppliers’ compliance with these regulations, conducting due diligence, and ensuring all parties follow ethical practices.

4) Long-term contracts and relationships: The Oil & Gas sector often involves large, long-term contracts due to the substantial investment required. These contracts may extend for several years, involving complex negotiations and pricing arrangements. As expected, the longevity of relationships with suppliers and contractors is crucial to mitigate risks and ensure continuity of operations with a reliable supply chain.

5) Supply chain challenges due to the scarcity and strategic nature of resources. Procurement managers must ensure a secure supply of essential resources, including crude oil, natural gas, equipment, and spare parts. The involvement of geopolitical factors adds complexity, as trade restrictions and political developments can disrupt supply chains. Ethical considerations include fair and transparent ordering practices, combating corruption, and responsible sourcing to ensure sustainability and social responsibility ( Duggan, 2016 ).

The numerous scandals stemming from unethical business practices have stressed the critical importance of ethical conduct in today’s globalized business environment ( Haron & Mahzan, 2018 ). The Enron scandal, a major corporate fraud in the early 2000s, severely damaged the reputation of a leading energy company. Enron, once admired for its innovation, collapsed due to fraudulent accounting and financial statement manipulation designed to inflate profitability ( McLean & Elkind, 2003 ). Enron’s fraudulent activities, including hiding debt and overstating revenue, unraveled in 2001, culminating in bankruptcy. This scandal caused significant financial losses for investors and employees, while also exposing weaknesses in corporate governance and regulatory oversight ( Fox, 2004 ). Therefore, Enron served as a catalyst for regulatory reform.

In response to scandals like Enron and WorldCom ( Herath & Walker, 2019 ), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) was enacted to prevent future corporate disasters ( Kenton, 2022 ) by mandating internal controls for accurate financial reporting, imposing stricter penalties for fraud, and enhancing auditor independence. It also emphasizes ethical conduct, protects whistleblowers, and strengthens audit committee oversight.

While primarily applicable to US public companies, SOX has had a global impact. Many countries, including the UAE, have adopted similar regulations to improve financial system transparency and accountability. SOX has encouraged companies worldwide to implement stronger internal controls and cultivate a culture of ethics and integrity ( Kenton, 2022 ).

UAE Federal Law No. (19) of 2016, also known as the “Federal Law on Combating Commercial Fraud,” aims to tackle fraudulent activities in the UAE’s commercial sector. This law strengthens the legal framework for commercial transactions, protecting both consumers and businesses. It outlines penalties for commercial fraud (where suppliers may overcharge, submit duplicate invoices, or bill for services not rendered, bid rigging-suppliers collude to manipulate the bidding process and inflate prices and supplier collusion, where multiple suppliers secretly agree to submit non-competitive bids), including fines, imprisonment, license revocation, and other measures to prevent counterfeit goods, and consumer reporting channels, for instance.

Recognizing the link between commercial fraud and intellectual property (IP) infringement, this law emphasizes stricter enforcement of trademark and copyright laws, along with mechanisms to prosecute IP violations. Given the transnational nature of commercial fraud, it also highlights international cooperation and adherence to relevant standards and conventions. Finally, this law promotes education and awareness initiatives to inform businesses, consumers, and other stakeholders about the risks and consequences of commercial fraud, empowering them to detect and report fraudulent activities.

Already underlined before, the analysis of extensive procurement transaction data via machine learning algorithms allows for the identification of anomalies that may signal fraud. Such patterns include duplicate invoices, unusual payment amounts, and suspicious bidding. Ukraine’s Prozorro platform effectively leverages this capability to monitor procurement activities, identify high-risk tenders, and facilitate stakeholder reporting, transitioning from a reactive to a preventive anti-corruption strategy ( Yukins & Kelman, 2022 ; Lim et al, 2022 ). Similarly, Brazil’s Alice tool assists auditors by highlighting potential embezzlement and anti-competitive practices through data analysis before contract finalization ( Menke et al., 2024 ).

AI automates supplier vetting, identifies potential conflicts of interest, and enforces regulatory adherence, mitigating procurement risks. Nevertheless, ethical considerations, specifically algorithmic bias, must be addressed to ensure fairness and prevent discrimination ( Convington, 2024 ). Technically, data bias in AI training can skew recommendations, favoring established suppliers and perpetuating inequities. To counteract this, AI models must be adjusted, and mechanisms must be in place to review and modify AI-generated recommendations, ensuring accountability and preventing systemic exclusion of supplier groups.

Still, several companies have successfully adopted AI to enhance ethical procurement practices. H&M utilizes it for demand sensing, making its supply chain more environmentally responsible by tracing material origins and optimizing resource consumption ( Cosgrove, 2020 ). IBM’s Responsible Sourcing Blockchain Network (RSBN) incorporates AI to ensure traceability and transparency in sourcing ( IDTechEx, 2019 ). Unilever partners with Google Satellite Imagery to trace its sourcing and ensure responsible environmental practices ( Labbe, 2020 ). Adidas employs AI-driven supply chain analytics to identify ethical and sustainable suppliers, aiming for carbon neutrality ( Jairick, 2024 ).

On the other hand, a blockchain decentralized ledger system provides a secure and transparent record of every transaction, making it exceptionally difficult for unauthorized individuals to alter critical procurement data, enhancing traceability throughout the procurement journey ( Rapid Innovations, 2024 ). The reduction of the traditional reliance on potentially fallible third-party verifiers is another side-effect of this technology. Notable examples include Walmart’s implementation for tracing the origins of food products, ensuring safety and quality control ( Sharma & Kumar, 2021 ) whereas Everledger’s use of blockchain to track the provenance of diamonds, guaranteeing they are conflict-free and ethically sourced ( Pöll, 2024 ).

Nevertheless, the adoption of blockchain in procurement is not without challenges. The technology itself can be complex, requiring specialized expertise that may not be readily available within organizations. The initial costs associated with implementing blockchain infrastructure and integrating it with existing procurement systems can also be substantial. Moreover, some blockchain networks face scalability issues, struggling to efficiently handle the high volumes of transactions typical of large-scale procurement operations ( Singh et al., 2023 ). Positively, adopting a phased approach, starting with small pilot projects and scaling gradually based on the insights gained, can help manage risks and ensure a smooth transition.

As an extension, smart contracts strengthen ethical procurement where all terms of the agreement are written into code, enabling automatic execution when predefined conditions are met. This reduces the necessity for intermediaries, including payments upon delivery verification ( Legitt, 2024 ).

Several real-world applications illustrate the potential of blockchain and smart contracts in ethical procurement. SAP Ariba has integrated both platforms to automate various procurement processes, including payment processing and compliance checks ( AMT Consulting, 2024 ) while JPMorgan Chase has developed its blockchain platform, Quorum, to facilitate faster and more secure financial transactions, particularly beneficial for international supply chains ( Boosty Labs, 2024 ).

At last, IoT applications enable the real-time collection of data on the location, condition, and overall status of goods as they move through the various stages of the supply chain. This real-time visibility improves inventory management by providing accurate and up-to-date stock levels, reduces potential losses due to damage, and ultimately, enhances customer satisfaction through more reliable and transparent service ( Khan et al., 2023 ).

Leading logistics companies like DHL, shipping giants such as Maersk, and e-commerce leaders like Amazon are actively utilizing IoT technologies for real-time tracking and comprehensive monitoring of their supply chain operations ( Kern, 2021 ). As well, IoT sensors are vital in monitoring the temperature of sensitive pharmaceuticals during transit, ensuring their safety in tracking the origin and journey of raw materials ( Bouazzi et al., 2025 ).

Analogous to blockchain, IoT also presents ethical considerations and potential challenges. Data privacy is a primary concern, as the collection and use of data from numerous sensors raise questions about who owns this information and how it is being utilized. The interconnected nature of IoT devices also creates potential security risks and vulnerabilities to cyberattacks ( Sasi et al., 2024 ). The increasing automation driven by IoT may also lead to concerns about job displacement within the supply chain workforce ( Filippi et al., 2023 ).

Again, companies are successfully leveraging IoT to enhance ethical practices within their supply chains. Nestlé utilizes IoT for ensuring the traceability and quality assurance of agricultural products, monitoring conditions from farm to consumer ( Lukacs et al., 2025 ) whilst BayWa Global Produce uses IoT in collaboration with blockchain to optimize the logistics of fresh produce, ensuring timely and careful delivery ( Maxwell, 2024 ). Intel utilizes its Connected Logistics Platform, incorporating IoT, to monitor the quality and integrity of goods during transportation, particularly for perishable items ( Wolfenstein, 2024 ).

This literature review has explored a broad spectrum of contemporary ethical challenges in procurement. While issues of transparency, fairness, and supplier relationships remain critical, ethical considerations also encompass sustainability, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accountability.

Ethics in Oil & Gas procurement present a complex landscape with unique challenges since it holds significant economic interests and global reach. Procurement decisions often require balancing economic factors with environmental and social responsibilities, reflecting the inherent tension between profitability and sustainability. Positively, the high-value nature of business contracts increases the risk of corruption, bribery, and conflicts of interest, demanding strong ethical frameworks and compliance mechanisms.

Furthermore, the global operations of Oil & Gas companies raise ethical concerns related to human rights, environmental protection, and fair labor practices, underscoring the importance of cultivating a culture of ethical awareness, transparency, and accountability to effectively manage the industry’s intricate ethical landscape.

However, the genuine power to mitigate ethical risks in procurement lies in the combined use of AI, blockchain, and IoT. This synergy creates a significantly stronger ethical procurement framework. IoT devices gather real-time supply chain data, which blockchain secures and transparently records. AI then analyzes this data, revealing patterns and anomalies for better risk assessment. This integrated system improves traceability, verifies ethical sourcing, automates compliance, and detects fraud more effectively than individual ones.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.