16-10-2022, 09:00 AM
No doubt most readers of the forum will know that ROP was actually Russian Oil Products Ltd. Perhaps less well known is the fact that there is a murky story around the company beyond that of Ropey or Rotten Old Petrol !
The company was formed in 1925 and built up a significant distribution network selling petrol at lower prices than the major brands, appearing to be a straightforward commercial operation which used some quite eye catching advertising. However, it also provided an ideal framework for covert activities with the result that it was under constant surveillance by the government. Many of the employees were not what they seemed to be and were engaged in spying, espionage and promotion of communism with the spy Anthony Blunt featuring in the story.
The company was formed in 1925 and built up a significant distribution network selling petrol at lower prices than the major brands, appearing to be a straightforward commercial operation which used some quite eye catching advertising. However, it also provided an ideal framework for covert activities with the result that it was under constant surveillance by the government. Many of the employees were not what they seemed to be and were engaged in spying, espionage and promotion of communism with the spy Anthony Blunt featuring in the story.