UK and France Investigate Thales for Corruption

British and French authorities have initiated a joint investigation into Thales, a major defense contractor, over suspected bribery and corruption linked to arms sales abroad. The UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and France's Parquet National Financier (PNF) have confirmed their collaboration in pursuing the investigation, which comes after police searches of Thales offices in France, Spain, and the Netherlands. SFO Director Nick Ephgrave emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling corruption, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the SFO and PNF. Thales, which employs over 7,000 staff in the UK, has stated that it is cooperating with the investigation but will not provide further comment as it is ongoing. The investigation raises concerns due to Thales's significant role in supplying defense products to Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion.