SPM Saipem Spa

ROME--Milan prosecutors have placed Paolo Scaroni, chief executive of Italian energy company Eni SpA, under investigation as part of a probe into possible corruption of Algerian officials by oil-service company Saipem, which Eni controls, according to a person familiar with the investigation.

The investigation centers on possible "international corruption," this person said. Another person close to the investigation said prosecutors are looking into whether Saipem officials gave kickbacks to procure contracts in Algeria.

An Eni spokesperson quoted Mr. Scaroni as saying he was "totally uninvolved" in affairs related to the probe. A Saipem spokesperson said he had no comment.

Mr. Scaroni has not been charged.

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