The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is investigating the Airbus Group over alleged fraud, bribery and corruption in the civil aviation business.

The SFO says the allegations relate to irregularities concerning third party consultants but have not provided any further comments. In a statement on the Airbus Group website, the company says the investigation “refers to its previous disclosures‎ relating to cooperation with the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the European Export Credit Agencies”.

Airbus says: “Airbus Group has been informed by the SFO that it has opened a criminal investigation into allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption in the civil aviation business of Airbus Group relating to irregularities concerning third party consultants. Airbus Group continues to cooperate with the SFO.”

The SFO is asking anyone with information to report it on its online form, click here, quoting ‘Airbus investigation’.