The UK and France are opening a bribery and corruption investigation into French defense company Thales

LONDON (AP) – British and French authorities have opened investigations into the French-based defense group Thales over allegations of bribery and corruption.

In a statement on Thursday, Britain’s Serious Fraud Office said it hoped the joint investigation with France’s Parquet National Financier would further strengthen their cooperation in the fight against international corruption.

“Working together with our international partners is an important element in the fight against international corruption and with this case I hope to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the SFO and the PNF, which is built on cooperation and shared success,” said Nick Ephgrave, director of the organization. The Serious Fraud Office “We will vigorously pursue all avenues in our investigation into these serious allegations.”

The SFO did not elaborate on the allegations, but reports say that police in France, the Netherlands and Spain searched the company’s offices in June, on suspicion of corruption related to arms sales abroad.

Thales is a key defense contractor, with many of its products deployed to support Ukraine in its fight against a full-scale Russian invasion after February 2022.