SFO opens European data centre bribery investigation

1st May 2025

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) on 30 April 2025 searched five properties and made three arrests as it announced a new multi-million pound international bribery investigation.

The target of the investigation is UK company Blu-3 and former associates of the global construction firm Mace Group.

The operation included a search of a suspect's premises today by Monaco authorities with assistance from the SFO.

Individuals at Blu-3 are suspected of paying over £3 million of bribes to former associates of Mace Group in relation to the construction of a data centre in the Netherlands for the technology giant Microsoft.

More than 70 SFO staff searched four homes and one commercial property across London, Kent, Surrey and Somerset today to seize evidence. Three individuals were arrested for questioning.

The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP attended one of the arrests in North London this morning.

Today’s operation and our continuing investigation is supported by 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 said:

“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.”