The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has announced that it is investigating the France-based defense company Thales for suspected bribery and corruption. The inquiry is being conducted in collaboration with the French financial prosecutor’s office (PNF).
In a statement released shortly after the close of French financial markets, the SFO disclosed that the investigation does not provide specific details but is focused on allegations surrounding the bribery of foreign public officials, influence trafficking, handling of stolen goods, and money laundering. Reports indicate these allegations are linked to an arms contract awarded in Asia.
Though headquartered in Paris, Thales employs over 7,000 people in the UK, and the multinational aviation and defense electronics group has been involved in supplying weapons to Ukraine. In September, the company secured a £162 million contract with the UK government to deliver 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles from its Belfast facility. Earlier in June, police in France, the Netherlands, and Spain reportedly conducted searches at company offices amid ongoing corruption suspicions related to arms sales abroad.
Thales is recognized as Europe’s largest defense technology firm, operating in three main sectors: aerospace, transport, and defense and security. SFO Director Nick Ephgrave emphasized the importance of international collaboration in combating corruption, expressing hope that this case would strengthen the longstanding partnership between the SFO and PNF.
A spokesperson for Thales confirmed that the company is cooperating with both authorities in the investigation concerning four of its entities operating in France and the UK.
Credit: Sky News
