AGI – Police in France, Spain and the Netherlands have searched the offices of the French military equipment supplier Thales as part of an investigation into corruption. A judicial source told Reuters. A Thales spokesman confirmed that the searches had taken place, but gave no further details, other than saying the company was cooperating with authorities.
The group, which employs 81,000 people worldwide, operates in 68 countries and produces radar, as well as bullets, ammunition, satellites and air defense systems that it delivers to the four corners of the globe. The searches are part of two separate investigations, the judicial source said. The first was launched in 2016 on suspicion of corruption of a foreign public official, criminal association and money laundering in connection with the sale of submarines and the construction of a naval base in Brazil, the same source reported. The second investigation was opened a year ago for suspected corruption and influence peddlingcriminal conspiracy and money laundering linked to the sale of military and civilian equipment abroad.
“Thales emphasizes that it strictly complies with national and international regulations,” the Thales spokesperson said. “The company has developed and implemented a comprehensive compliance program that meets the highest industry standards.” The investigations are still ongoing.
