Seventh individual charged by Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in investigation into Alstom and alleged bribery
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today charged another person in its ongoing investigation into alleged bribes paid out in connection to Alstom Network UK, bringing the total number of individuals charged to seven.
Terence Watson, Alstom country president for the UK and managing director of Alstom Transport UK & Ireland, has been charged with two corruption-related offences and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court next Tuesday.
Watson, a British national, is accused of offences that are alleged to have taken place between 2003 and 2008, concerning the supply of trains to the Budapest Metro.
Watson is to join Alstom Network UK, Michael Anderson and Jean-Daniel Laine, who have all already been charged with corruption offences concerning the train supply to Budapest Metro that are alleged to have taken place between 2006 and 2007. Alstom, Anderson and Laine are scheduled to begin their trial in May 2017.
In June 2009, the SFO announced its investigation into Alstom, a manufacturer covering the rail, power and electricity sectors, after being provided information by the Office of the Attorney General in Switzerland.
As well as charging seven individuals, the SFO has also charged two companies since July 2014.
Alstom Network UK, Graham Hill and Robert Hallett have been charged with corruption offences relating to alleged activities taking place in India, Poland and Tunisia. Their trial is due to start in June.
Alstom Power, Nicholas Reynolds and Johanes Venskus have been charged with corruption offences relating to alleged activities taking place in Lithuania, and are due to stand trial next January.