London and Paris – French defense multinational Thales is under investigation by Britain’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and France’s Parquet National Financier (PNF) for suspected bribery and corruption.
The joint probe, announced on Thursday, November 21, marks a significant collaboration between the two agencies as they delve into allegations surrounding the Paris-based defense giant.
The SFO confirmed that investigators had informed Thales of the inquiry, which extends to both France and the UK.
“Investigators from the SFO and the PNF have informed the company of the investigation,” read the SFO’s statement, emphasizing that both entities were examining the matter within their jurisdictions.
Thales, a key player in global defense technology, has its headquarters in Paris and operates a substantial UK subsidiary, Thales UK, employing over 7,000 personnel across 16 sites.
The company has provided critical defense solutions, including the Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) valued at £162 million, which the UK supplied to Ukraine in September amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Cooperation Amid Silence
Thales confirmed the investigation, which reportedly involves four of its entities in France and the UK. A company spokesperson stated, “Thales is cooperating with the PNF in France and the SFO in the UK. The group complies with all national and international regulations. As the investigation is ongoing, Thales will not comment further.”
This is not the first time the defense giant has faced scrutiny. In June, police from France, the Netherlands, and Spain searched Thales’ offices amid allegations of corruption tied to arms sales.
These earlier operations may have provided the foundation for the current investigation, which seeks to determine the scope and scale of the alleged misconduct.
Strategic Importance and Long-Term Contracts
Thales is deeply embedded in the UK’s defense infrastructure, underscoring the potential significance of the allegations. In February, the firm secured a £1.8-billion contract to maintain the Royal Navy’s fleet of ships and submarines over the next 15 years.
Its role in equipping Ukraine with lightweight missiles also highlights its importance in supporting NATO-aligned efforts in Eastern Europe.
The SFO’s Director Nick Ephgrave underscored the gravity of the case, citing its commitment to working closely with international partners to uncover the truth.
“We will together rigorously pursue every avenue in our investigation into these serious allegations,” Ephgrave said in a statement.
Specialist Authorities Step In
The SFO specializes in tackling high-level fraud, bribery, and corruption across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its decision to collaborate with the PNF reflects the global nature of Thales’ operations and the cross-border implications of the allegations.
Details about the accusations remain scarce. However, the investigation’s joint nature underscores the seriousness with which both nations regard these claims.
The collaboration may signal a broader intent to tighten oversight on multinational defense contractors amid growing concerns about accountability in the arms trade.
Awaiting Further Developments
As Thales maintains its silence, the defense world awaits further details about the investigation.
The potential ramifications extend beyond the company, potentially influencing defense procurement policies and international cooperation on corruption oversight.
For now, the probe serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in global defense dealings.
