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Johannesburg – A new probe by the UK authorities looks set to name local politicians and businessmen who benefited from the controversial R47bn arms deal in SA.
KPMG, one of the world's biggest accountancy groups, is being investigated by the UK’s Accountancy and Actuarial Discipline Board (AADB) over its audits of BAE Systems relating to commissions paid by the defence firm to secure contracts.
Audits covering the 10 years between 1997 and 2007 will be investigated, as well as "commission payments paid by BAE”, the authority said.
BAE, Europe's largest defence contractor, in February reached a deal to pay about $450m in fines to settle long-running corruption investigations in the UK and US over payments made to clinch arms deals.
The Sunday Times reported on Sunday that local politicians and businessmen looked set to be named in the new investigation.
“The audit, which will involve scrutiny of KPMG's confidential records, is set to reveal substantial financial evidence - and disclose the names of influential individuals - who, in exchange for cash, helped BAE supply Hawk trainer aircraft and Gripen fighter jets to South Africa for $2.1bn,” the newspaper reported.
Businessman Fana Hlongwane, an adviser to former Defence Minister Joe, is expected to be a key figure in the investigation.
The newspaper reported that Cosatu and the Democratic Alliance have welcomed the new investigation.
Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille has offered to assist with the probe.
KPMG, one of the world's biggest accountancy groups, is being investigated by the UK’s Accountancy and Actuarial Discipline Board (AADB) over its audits of BAE Systems relating to commissions paid by the defence firm to secure contracts.
Audits covering the 10 years between 1997 and 2007 will be investigated, as well as "commission payments paid by BAE”, the authority said.
BAE, Europe's largest defence contractor, in February reached a deal to pay about $450m in fines to settle long-running corruption investigations in the UK and US over payments made to clinch arms deals.
The Sunday Times reported on Sunday that local politicians and businessmen looked set to be named in the new investigation.
“The audit, which will involve scrutiny of KPMG's confidential records, is set to reveal substantial financial evidence - and disclose the names of influential individuals - who, in exchange for cash, helped BAE supply Hawk trainer aircraft and Gripen fighter jets to South Africa for $2.1bn,” the newspaper reported.
Businessman Fana Hlongwane, an adviser to former Defence Minister Joe, is expected to be a key figure in the investigation.
The newspaper reported that Cosatu and the Democratic Alliance have welcomed the new investigation.
Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille has offered to assist with the probe.
