The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has launched an investigation targeting infrastructure firm Blu-3 and former affiliates of the Mace Group.It is alleged that individuals at Blu-3 paid more than £3 million in bribes to people connected to Mace in a bid to secure work. Reports Contract Journal
On Wednesday, over 70 SFO officers carried out searches at four residential addresses and one commercial site across London, Kent, Surrey, and Somerset, gathering evidence related to the case.
As part of the coordinated investigation, authorities in Monaco also raided a suspect’s property in connection with bribes reportedly paid to win a European data centre contract.
The individuals involved have been arrested and brought in for questioning.
Solicitor General Lucy Rigby, who attended one of the arrests in North London, said: “As part of our Plan for Change, this Government is committed to tackling all forms of bribery to protect working people and ensure criminals are brought to justice.”
Nick Ephgrave, director of the Serious Fraud Office, said: “Paying bribes to do business undermines our financial markets, the reputation of British companies and the rule of law and will not be tolerated.
“Today’s action is a reminder that we will take rapid and robust action to tackle suspected bribery and corruption wherever it appears – at home and overseas.”
A spokesman for Mace said: “Mace has a zero tolerance approach to breaches of our code of ethics and takes any allegations of bribery extremely seriously.
“We are committed to fully supporting the Serious Fraud Office in investigating allegations against any former associates of the group.”
English 