28/05/2014

GSK To Be Investigated By SFO Over Bribery

British drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has confirmed that a formal criminal investigation has been launched by Britain's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) over alleged bribery in its business practices.

The investigation with the world's sixth largest pharmaceutical company was launched after Chinese authorities claimed GSK staff had bribed government and health officials in the country.

Following the announcement, shares in the firm went down more than 1.5%.

A company spokesperson said: "GSK is committed to operating its business to the highest ethical standards and will continue to co-operate fully with the SFO".

(CVS/CD)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 July 2009
SFO 'To Probe Rover MG Collapse'
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse of car manufacturer MG Rover, it has been announced. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson confirmed the move, saying in a statement the SFO must see if there are "grounds for prosecution".
19 April 2013
OFT Accuse GSK Of 'Market Abuse'
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has accused pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) of market "abuse". It is alleged that GSK paid rivals to delay releasing their own versions of its product, Seroxat. The OFT claim that Alpharma, Generics UK and Norton Healthcare all received money not to enter the market with their copies of Seroxat.
30 July 2008
Lords Rule Fraud Office 'Acted Lawfully' On BAE Deal
The House of Lords has ruled that the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) acted lawfully when it halted a corruption enquiry into arms deals with Saudi Arabia. The decision overturns an earlier verdict when the court criticised the British and Saudi governments in April saying that the SFO acted unlawfully.
22 November 2013
GSK Announce £25m Scottish Expansion
Pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has said it is to expand its operations in Montrose, Angus, Scotland. GSK are to invest some £25m into the expansion and create 25 new jobs, bringing the company's total workforce in Scotland to more than 750.
01 October 2009
BAE To Face Corruption Charges
UK defence contractor BAE Systems is to be investigated on corruption charges, the Serious Fraud Office has announced. The SFO confirmed on Thursday that it intends to ask Attorney General Baroness Scotland's consent to prosecute BAE for offices relating to overseas corruption.