Labour Peer Calls for NAO Investigation into MoD's Alleged Role in Saudi Bribes Scandal
A senior Labour politician, Peter Hain, has called for an investigation by government auditors into alleged complicity of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a bribery scandal involving arms deals with Saudi Arabia.
The call comes after a recent criminal trial where two men were acquitted of bribery charges, claiming that the MoD had authorized millions of pounds in payments to foreign officials.
Hain described the situation as a "national scandal" and urged for a timely and targeted investigation.
A British military communications deal with Saudi Arabia's national guard, known as Sangcom, is under investigation for alleged corruption.
At least £10m was paid to Prince Miteb bin Abdullah and his associates, according to prosecutors.
Lord Hain, a former minister, wrote to the National Audit Office raising concerns about the MoD's involvement and calling for a review of their financial practices to prevent future corruption and protect taxpayer money.
The text is calling for the National Audit Office to conduct an investigation into a national scandal involving the MoD (Ministry of Defense) as soon as possible.
The goal is to establish the facts and report them to parliamentarians and the public, in order to understand the MoD's role in the scandal and any ongoing risks.