An investigation is below approach into the France-based defence firm Thales for suspected bribery and corruption, the UK’s Critical Fraud Workplace (SFO) has introduced.
A press release, launched shortly after French monetary markets had closed for the day, stated a joint investigation involving the SFO’s French counterparts PNF was below approach.
It involved an arms contract awarded in Asia, the individual stated.
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Though primarily based in Paris, the multi-national aviation and defence electronics group employs greater than 7,000 folks within the UK.
It has been concerned in offering weapons to Ukraine and in September agreed a £162m contract with the UK authorities to produce 650 Light-weight Multirole Missiles from its web site in Belfast.
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It was reported in June that police in France, the Netherlands and Spain had searched firm places of work over suspicions of corruption linked to arms gross sales overseas.
Thales is Europe’s largest defence know-how firm and operates three divisions; aerospace, transport and defence and safety.
SFO director, Nick Ephgrave, stated: “Working collaboratively with our worldwide companions is a vital issue within the battle towards worldwide corruption and with this case I hope to strengthen the SFO and PNF’s long-standing relationship, constructed on mutual cooperation and shared success.
“We will together rigorously pursue every avenue in our investigation into these serious allegations.”
A Thales spokesperson confirmed that the corporate was co-operating with the 2 authorities in an investigation relatedto 4 of its entities in France and the UK.
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