Suspected corruption, Thales offices searched in France, Spain and the Netherlands

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 spokesperson confirmed that the searches had taken place, but provided no further details, other than to say that the company was cooperating with the authorities.

The group, which employs 81,000 people worldwide, operates in 68 countries and produces radar, as well as projectiles, ammunition, satellites and air defense systems which it delivers to the four corners of the globe. The searches are part of two different investigations, the judicial source said. The first was initiated in 2016 for suspected 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 said. The second investigation was opened a year ago on suspicion of corruption and influence trafficking,criminal 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.