UK Investigators Arrest Three in Bribery Probe Linked to Microsoft Datacentre Construction
In a significant development in the UK’s ongoing efforts to combat corporate bribery, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has arrested three individuals in connection with an investigation into alleged bribery by a British company during the construction of a Dutch datacentre for Microsoft. According to a report by The Guardian, the SFO carried out dawn raids at several locations in the UK and Monaco, seizing evidence and detaining three people for questioning.
The investigation, which was reported by The Guardian, centres on allegations that UK company Blu-3, a construction project management firm, paid over £3m in bribes to individuals linked to Mace Group, a global construction company. Blu-3, founded in 2004, has worked on several high-profile projects, including the construction of the Shard in London, the regeneration of London’s Battersea power station, and the HS2 railway project.
On Wednesday morning, over 70 investigators from the SFO searched four homes and one commercial property in London, Kent, Surrey, and Somerset, as part of the investigation. Authorities in Monaco also conducted a search at a suspect’s premises, with assistance from UK authorities. The three arrested individuals were detained for questioning, and evidence was seized for further examination.
As The Guardian reported, Blu-3 has focused on datacentre construction in recent years, driven by growing demand for facilities to house computer servers for internet and artificial intelligence companies. The company made revenues of nearly £100m in the year to March 2024 and reported a "strong pipeline of work for 2025", according to accounts published before the arrests.
Mace Group, which employs over 7,400 people, made revenues of £2.4bn in 2023 and has worked on a wide range of projects, including Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Tate Modern gallery extension. A Mace spokesperson said: "Mace has a zero tolerance approach to breaches of our code of ethics and takes any allegations of bribery extremely seriously. We are committed to fully supporting the Serious Fraud Office in investigating allegations against any former associates of the group."
Nick Ephgrave, director of the SFO, 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." The Guardian reported that the solicitor general and Labour MP, Lucy Rigby, attended one of the arrests in north London.
Microsoft, the client for the datacentre project, is not under investigation. Blu-3 and Microsoft were approached for comment by The Guardian. The SFO’s investigation is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as the case unfolds.
This high-profile investigation highlights the SFO’s continued efforts to tackle corporate bribery and corruption. However, the agency has faced scrutiny over the length of its investigations, as well as other challenges, such as the £250m cost of an investigation into Kazakh mining company Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation that resulted in no charges.
The case is a significant development in the UK’s ongoing efforts to combat corporate bribery and corruption, and The Guardian will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
