Opinion | Editorials
BAE may have blood on its hands
The access to easy weapons systems is one of the causes for widespread violence
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:00 February 8, 2010
After years of sweeping instances of wrongdoing repeatedly under the carpet, specifically with regard to illegal arms deals across the world, BAE Systems Plc have finally been caught out, not by the UK's own prosecutors but by those of another country.
The world of defence companies and arms dealers has always been murky to say the least. BAE applied these same shady principles when doing business with some of their very high-profile clients corruption and bribery being the cornerstone of many transactions. Offshore accounts and agents, both overt and covert, were assigned to smooth the passage of sale for BAE's merchandise.
Needless to say, in operations of this sort the stakes are always very high and the players are, more often than not, leading figures in international political, military, intelligence and diplomatic circles. But, there is never any chance of long-term immunity for those involved, especially since there are always accounting irregularities and a paper trail to the guilty.
By paying up the £300 million (Dh1.746 billion) in fines in what is considered to be a plea bargain BAE has ensured that there will not be a full trial. However, the audit trail of ‘dirty' cash being paid out to politicians and officials over the years can still be mapped out. And when concluded the guilty must be brought to book. The chances are that the profile and identity of some of these politicians, even a few prime ministers, could shake up the whole proceedings.
Follow the money seems to be a popular refrain when investigating cases such as this. And if this is done perhaps new light can be thrown on BAE's corrupt practices. The access to easy weapons systems is probably one of the causes for widespread violence in the world today. BAE may well have blood on their hands.
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