WSJ: German prosecutors investigate Airbus defense deals in Romania

Prosecutors in Munich are investigating plane-maker Airbus Group over alleged corruption in the award of two large border security deals, one of which in Romania, the other in Saudi Arabia, writes Wall Street Journal.

Munich state prosecutors searched the German premises of Airbus this fall as part of their investigations into alleged corruption and tax evasion by individuals, the Munich prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday.

Airbus, which confirmed the news of the investigation and the search, said that the prosecutors office was searching for evidence of “alleged irregularities” related to the border-surveillance projects at Airbus’s German defense and space unit. The plane-maker said the unit, Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, itself isn’t accused and is cooperating with the investigation.

The company secured the Romanian border surveillance contract in 2004 which Airbus said at the time was worth more than EUR 1 billion.

Romania and Airbus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in September to improve production capabilities for the Super Puma MK1 helicopter.

Read more about

Romanian Easter traditions. Where to buy cozonac

read more