SFO Arrests Three in Billion-Pound Data Centre Bribery Probe

The UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has launched a major international bribery investigation into UK-based construction firm Blu-3 and former associates of the global construction company Mace Group, focusing on contracts related to the construction of a Microsoft data center in the Netherlands. The investigation alleges that individuals at Blu-3 paid over £3 million in bribes to secure these contracts. As part of the probe, more than 70 SFO officers searched five properties across England and Monaco, resulting in three arrests. The operation had support from the National Crime Agency and Monaco authorities, and was attended by the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP. SFO Director Nick Ephgrave emphasized that bribery undermines financial markets and the reputation of British companies, vowing robust action against corruption both domestically and internationally. The investigation is ongoing, examining potential breaches of the UK Bribery Act and the extent of corporate misconduct.