Cotecna replaced Lloyd's Register about the same time Annan replaced Boutros-Ghali, if I recall correctly. I think Oil For Food was a planned scam from the get-go.
I think you are correct with that timing. It's about time for all the roaches to scatter.
Methinks this scam was in place during Boutrous bi Golly's tenure.
I believe Kofi Annan became Sec. Gen. in Jan. 1997. Would have to check when Kojo Annan hooked up with Cotecna.
Cotecne sure has a Marc Rich sound to it but so far I have not made any connection. Another name I keep watching for in this OFF scandal is Michael Prest. He once worked for Rich but went out on his own as an oil trader in Nigeria, Lagos and Johannesburg.. His Company is Aurora based in Monaco.