The Director of the Serious Fraud Office has decided to discontinue the investigation into the affairs of BAE SYSTEMS Plc as far as they relate to the Al Yamamah defence contract with the government of Saudi Arabia.
This decision has been taken following representations that have been made both to the Attorney General and the Director of the SFO concerning the need to safeguard national and international security.
It has been necessary to balance the need to maintain the rule of law against the wider public interest.
No weight has been given to commercial interests or to the national economic interest.
End of statement
Serious Fraud Office
Elm House
10-16 Elm Street
London WC1X 0BJ
Tel. 020 7239 7001/7190
Mobile 07818 076 688
