The Serious Fraud OFFICE (SFO) of the U.K has confirmed it is investigating suspicions of corruption in the conduct of business by British American Tobacco (BAT) p.l.c, its subsidiaries and associated persons in East Africa.
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British American Tobacco is being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office for bribing officials in Kenya
The finances of the company is in good health despite the allegations
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The investigation is borne out of allegations levelled by a former employee in Kenya, Paul Hopkins,who in 2015 accused his employers of bribing law makers and civil servants in Kenya.Hopkins leaked several documents and secret recordings to support his allegation against the tobacco giant.
The company in a statement on Tuesday confirmed it was conducting an internal investigation into the matter.
"As previously announced, we are investigating, through external legal advisers, allegations of misconduct. We have been co-operating with the Serious Fraud Office and British American Tobacco has been informed that the SFO has now opened a formal investigation. BAT intends to co-operate with that."
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The company has a strong presence in Africa especially in Eastern and South Africa where it has offices.
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