BAE Systems execs under investigation for bribery allegations
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
WEST CHESTER TWP. — Two executives from BAE Systems were detained briefly by U.S. officials at the Houston, Texas airport in connection with an ongoing investigation into bribery allegations.
The company's chief executive, Mike Turner, and non-executive director, Nigel Rudd, were spoken to by the U.S. Department of Justice when they arrived at the Houston airport last week before being allowed to enter the U.S. Both have been released, BAE Systems officials confirmed in a statement.
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BAE Systems produces armor kits, ballistic glass and armored vehicles, company officials said.
Justice officials are investigating allegations of corruption and bribery in a multibillion British pound arms deal for BAE Systems to supply Tornado and Hawk Jets to Saudi Arabia back in 1985.
The investigation was launched in June 2007, not long before BAE Systems was given the go-ahead by the Department of Justice to acquire Armor Holdings, which had several facilities in Butler County.
The London-based company has since expanded its Butler County operations, which total 890,000 square feet in manufacturing space and employ 1,650 people in West Chester Twp.
Greg Alan Caires, the company's director of public relations, would not specify how either executive may be connected to the Butler County operations, but did confirmed their detainment as part of the investigation.
Although the company continues to deny any wrongdoing, Caires said "the company has been and continues to be in discussion with the (Justice Department) concerning the subpoenas served in the course of its investigation."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
