Thai Airways to probe Rolls-Royce corruption
The investigation comes after the renowned British engine-maker agreed to pay a US$808 million fine to authorities in Britain, the United States and Brazil to settle bribery and corruption claims
Thailand’s flagship airline on Thursday said it had launched a probe into revelations that Rolls-Royce paid millions of dollars in bribes to win contracts, including to airline employees and government officials.
The investigation comes after the renowned British engine-maker agreed to pay a US$808 million fine to authorities in Britain, the United States and Brazil to settle bribery and corruption claims.
A British judge this week said the investigation revealed “the most serious breaches of the criminal law in the areas of bribery and corruption” prompting Rolls-Royce, which cooperated with the probe, to apologise.
But the findings – concerning the engine maker Rolls-Royce, which has no connection with Rolls-Royce cars, a marque owned by the Germany auto maker BMW – will likely make for uncomfortable reading in the countries where bribes were paid.
In Thailand investigators found some US$36 million in bribes and incentives were paid between 1991 and 2005 to intermediaries – including “agents of the State of Thailand and employees of Thai Airways” – to help the company win lucrative jet engine deals.