PCCB in Action: BAE radar scandal culprits face prosecution

THE government can still investigate corruption allegations in the controversial sale of radar to Tanzania by a British arms company - BAE Systems over a decade ago.

The British High Commission in Tanzania clarified yesterday that the agreement between the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and BAE regarding the radar is not binding on any other state and therefore does not preclude investigations in Tanzania that could lead to prosecutions.

The SFO and BAE reached a deal two years ago for the latter to effect 30 million pound sterling payment to settle a bribery investigation by SFO, for failure to keep proper accounting records of the radar sale.

"The British government has always made clear that we would cooperate with the Tanzanian authorities in their investigation and prosecution of possible offences under Tanzanian law in relation to the BAE radar issue", the High Commission said in a statement posted on its website.

The statement added that report of the IDC (UK parliament's International Development Committee) enquiry into Financial Crime and Development (November 15, 2011) welcomed "the Government of Tanzania's plans to bring individuals before the courts."

The IDC also noted that it "is essential that all those involved in financial crime are dealt with appropriately." It reaffirmed the British Government's commitment to work alongside the government of Tanzania in tackling corruption.

Meanwhile, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Mattias Chikawe has reiterated that anyone with credible evidence anywhere in the world to assist government prosecute local culprits of the overpriced BAE Systems radar purchase over a decade ago, should come forward.

Mr Chikawe said while responding to Ubungo lawmaker, John Mnyika's argument that it's untrue that a British court ruled that after payment of over 70bn/- penalty, no one from the company can be prosecuted.

"We can still prosecute these people locally and it's untrue that the British judge gave anyone immunity after payment of the penalty," Mr Mnyika argued as lawmakers questioned the sincerity of the government's commitment to fight high level graft while some culprits of the radar deal are holding positions of authority in Parliament.

Source: Daily News (08/08/2012): http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/8380-bae-radar-scandal-culprits-face-prosecution