30 Point Strategies and Global Policy Initiatives have gone to work for Azerbaijan's national oil company, which was the focus of a Congressional ethics probe for funding all-expenses paid trips for 10 US Congressmen and 32 staffers.

socarThe firms began PA and government affairs duties for State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) on July 1.

The contract is worth a combined $25K per month on a month-by-month basis. 30 Point receives the bulk of the fees, $17,500.

The US lawmakers attended the "US-Azerbaijan Convention" held in the former Soviet republic in 2013. The event occurred a year after SOCAR pitched Congress to exclude a $28B natural gas pipeline project from US sanctions on Iraq, according to the Washington Post.

SOCAR allegedly funneled $750K through non-profit groups in the US to cover up its funding of the conference. The Post also reported that SOCAR paid hundreds of thousands to cover the US delegations travel expenses plus gifts of scarves, rugs and other items.

The House Ethics Committee wrapped up its probe into the matter on July 31, clearing the lawmakers of wrongdoing.

The Justice Dept. is reviewing the case.

Joshua Silberberg, former communications director at Israel's Washington embassy, is working the business from 30 Point.

Jay Footlik, former special assistant for President Clinton and White House liaison to the Jewish community, and Gabe Ross, who worked at the US Chamber of Commerce as senior manager for Turkey and the Middle East, handle matters at Global Policy Initiatives.