Three arrested in British probe into bribery around Microsoft data center in Netherlands
The British authorities are investigating possible bribery surrounding the construction of a Microsoft data center in the Netherlands, the government’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) announced. SFO officers arrested three suspects and searched five premises.
The investigation is against the British company Blu-3 and former partners of the global construction firm Mace Group. The SFO suspects individuals at Blu-3 of paying more than £3 million (around €3.6 million) in bribes to former partners of Mace Group in connection with the construction of a Microsoft data center in the Netherlands.
Over 70 SFO officers searched four homes and a business premises in London, Kent, Surrey, and Somerset. Three suspects were arrested for questioning.
“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. “Today’s action is a reminder that we will take rapid and robust action to tackle suspected bribery and corruption wherever it appears – at home and overseas.”
Blu-3 and Microsoft have not yet responded. Maced said it takes the bribery allegations very seriously and will cooperate with the investigation.
A spokesperson for the municipality of Hollands Kroon, where the Microsoft data center is located, declined to comment to ANP. Microsoft announced the data center in the Noord-Holland municipality in 2013. Around 450 people work there.
