SFO goes after BAE Systems again
Fraud watchdog renews offensive on defence giant after disappointment of being called off the Saudi arms deal investigation
Fraud watchdogs have announced they are seeking a legal greenlight to
prosecute BAE Systems for alleged overseas corruption.
The Serious Fraud Office’s offensive comes after a previous investigation
into the dealings of the
defence
giant was called off by the government.
The SFO now wants approval from the Attorney General’s Office to prosecute
after a probe into the business activities of BAE Systems in Africa and Eastern
Europe.
“The Serious Fraud Office has announced today that it intends to seek the
Attorney General’s consent to prosecute BAE Systems for offences relating to
overseas corruption and will prepare its papers to be submitted to the Attorney
when the SFO considers it is ready to proceed,” the SFO said today.
BAE said in a statement: “The company notes the announcement by the UK’s
Serious Fraud Office and continues to expend considerable effort seeking to
resolve, at the earliest opportunity, the historical matters under investigation
by the SFO.
“BAE Systems has at all times acted responsibly in its dealings with the SFO,
taking into account the interests of its shareholders and employees and the
legal advice it has received.
“If the Director of the SFO obtains the consent that he seeks from the
Attorney General and proceedings are commenced, the company will deal with any
issues raised in those proceedings at the appropriate time and, if necessary, in
court.”
Further reading:
Change
of tack may yield results at the SFO