Three people were arrested by the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) after Blu-3, a construction management company, was suspected of bribing former members of the Mace Group during construction of a Microsoft data center in the Netherlands. According to the SFO, its team sent over 70 officers to four residential and one commercial property across London, Kent, Surrey, and Somerset to search for and seize evidence. It also coordinated with Monaco authorities to investigate a property related to one of the alleged conspirators.
“Paying bribes to do business undermines our financial markets, the reputation of British companies, and the rule of law, and will not be tolerated,” said SFO Director Nick Ephgrave QPM. He added, “Today’s action is a reminder that we will take rapid and robust action to tackle suspected bribery and corruption where it appears — at home and overseas.”