This morning [6 October 2010] during a coordinated search and arrest operation, over 80 members of the Serious Fraud Office, supported by officers of Surrey, Hampshire, Thames Valley, Cumbria and the Metropolitan police services executed search warrants at 8 residential and a commercial site in the UK.
Two men were arrested and are being interviewed.
Two search warrants were also executed in Spain by the Spanish authorities in relation to three British nationals.
In addition six search warrants were executed on residential premises in Australia.
This action is in relation to a joint investigation between the Serious Fraud Office and the Australian Federal Police. It involves the activities of employees and agents of Securency International PTY Ltd and their alleged corrupt role in securing international polymer banknote contracts.
SFO Director Richard Alderman said, "This is an excellent example of how anti-fraud agencies around the world are working together to fight economic crime. It requires much painstaking preparation to co-ordinate action like this and I am delighted that our collective hard work has resulted in successful searches in a number of jurisdictions".
Notes for editors:
The Serious Fraud Office is a government department responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious and complex fraud. The SFO is headed by the Director (Richard Alderman) who exercises powers under the superintendence of the Attorney General. These powers are derived from the Criminal Justice Act (1987).
Serious Fraud Office, Elm House, 10-16 Elm Street, London, WC1X 0BJ
Press Office tel: 020 7239 7001//7000/7004 or mobile: 0781 807 6688 or 0758 421 8694
Main switchboard tel: 020 7239 7272
press.office@sfo.gsi.gov.uk - or via - www.sfo.gov.uk
