LONDON — The UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has launched a major international bribery investigation targeting construction contracts linked to technology giant Microsoft, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the search of five properties across England.
The probe centres on alleged corrupt payments exceeding £3 million made by UK-based company Blu-3 and former associates of global construction firm Mace Group. These payments are suspected to be bribes connected to the construction of a Microsoft data centre in the Netherlands.
Today’s operation saw over 70 SFO officers conduct coordinated raids on four residential properties and one commercial site located in London, Kent, Surrey and Somerset. The searches aimed to secure critical evidence, while three individuals were arrested and taken in for questioning.
The operation also extended beyond UK borders, with authorities in Monaco—working alongside the SFO—searching the premises of a key suspect.
Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP was present during one of the arrests in North London, underscoring the government’s direct support for the enforcement action.
The investigation is being carried out with the assistance of the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the Serious Fraud Office, said:
“Paying bribes to do business undermines our financial markets, the reputation of British companies and the rule of law and will not be tolerated.
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.”
Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP added:
“Bribery undermines the values of fairness and playing by the rules, and hurts individuals, businesses, and our wider economy.
As part of our Plan for Change, this Government is committed to tackling all forms of bribery to protect working people and ensure criminals are brought to justice.”
The SFO has not disclosed the identities of those arrested or further details of the alleged misconduct. Investigations are ongoing.
