We aim to make this site as accessible as possible and therefore have provided the settings below to use if you are finding it difficult to view this website. See the SFO Accessibility Statement for more information.

Where it is appropriate to provide a Welsh translation, you can switch to Cymraeg. See the Welsh Language Commissioner website for more information.

Use the settings button in the bottom right corner of the page to access these settings again.

Change to normal text size A Change to medium text size A Change to large text size A Adjust Text Size

We would like to use Analytics Cookies on our website. 

Turn these on below if you are happy with us collecting information on how our site is used, in order for us to improve the overall experience of our website. 

All other cookies are necessary and therefore by continuing to browse this website, you are agreeing to the usage of these cookies.

 See the SFO Privacy Policy for more information. 

Analytics Cookies

Former MoD official jailed for taking £70k in kickbacks following SFO investigation

12 April, 2024 | News Releases

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has secured an 30-month prison sentence and a £123,000 confiscation order for Jeffrey Cook, a former Ministry of Defence (MoD) official. This follows his conviction for misconduct in public office for taking secret payments in exchange for commissioning work from offshore consultants.

An SFO investigation found he received over £70,000 worth of payments and gifts, comprising £44,000 in cash and two cars. Mr Cook received the kickbacks while employed at the MoD and seconded to UK defence contractor Paradigm.

Mr Cook’s sentencing caps a complex investigation and prosecution by the UK’s leading agency for tackling complex fraud, bribery and corruption, which also saw the successful prosecution of GPT Special Project Management Ltd which pleaded guilty to corruption in 2021 and paid a penalty of nearly £30 million.

Director of the Serious Fraud Office, Nick Ephgrave QPM, said: 

“I am proud of my team for their determination and tenacity in prosecuting a complex case of corruption involving the defence industry.

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates the Serious Fraud Office’s ability to hold individuals to account, particularly when their actions undermine trust in our institutions.”