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SFO to rule on BAE Systems case | SFO to rule on BAE Systems case |
(9 minutes later) | |
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is expected to announce on Thursday whether it wishes to prosecute BAE Systems over alleged bribery. | The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is expected to announce on Thursday whether it wishes to prosecute BAE Systems over alleged bribery. |
The case refers to allegations that the UK defence giant paid out millions of pounds in order to win contracts from a number of countries. | The case refers to allegations that the UK defence giant paid out millions of pounds in order to win contracts from a number of countries. |
BAE has always strenuously denied any suggestion of wrongdoing. | BAE has always strenuously denied any suggestion of wrongdoing. |
A separate investigation into BAE by the SFO was dropped in 2007 after it said national security was at risk. | A separate investigation into BAE by the SFO was dropped in 2007 after it said national security was at risk. |
In that case the SFO ended its investigation into a giant 1980s arms deal BAE secured from Saudi Arabia. | In that case the SFO ended its investigation into a giant 1980s arms deal BAE secured from Saudi Arabia. |
'Explosive investigation' | 'Explosive investigation' |
The latest SFO investigations are into contracts BAE won from countries including Tanzania, the Czech Republic, Romania and South Africa. | The latest SFO investigations are into contracts BAE won from countries including Tanzania, the Czech Republic, Romania and South Africa. |
Robert Peston talks about the case | Robert Peston talks about the case |
If it does decide it wishes to bring criminal proceedings against BAE, the final decision on whether to proceed would still have to be made by the Attorney General Baroness Scotland. | If it does decide it wishes to bring criminal proceedings against BAE, the final decision on whether to proceed would still have to be made by the Attorney General Baroness Scotland. |
BBC business editor Robert Peston said the continuing SFO probe into BAE was "the most explosive investigation into a British company that I have ever encountered". | BBC business editor Robert Peston said the continuing SFO probe into BAE was "the most explosive investigation into a British company that I have ever encountered". |
He said the SFO was continuing to put pressure on BAE to admit limited responsibility and pay a fine, and that he still thought "there is a probability that the two sides will reach agreement". | He said the SFO was continuing to put pressure on BAE to admit limited responsibility and pay a fine, and that he still thought "there is a probability that the two sides will reach agreement". |