SFO drops investigation into British American Tobacco

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Serious Fraud Office drops investigation into British American Tobacco over allegations it bribed government officials in Africa

By Daily Mail City & Finance Reporter

Published: | Updated:

The Serious Fraud Office has dropped its investigation into British American Tobacco (BAT) over allegations it bribed government officials in Africa. 

After more than three years investigating the cigarette giant, the SFO said it did not have enough evidence to support a realistic prospect of conviction. 

Probe: After more than three years investigating the cigarette giant, the SFO said it did not have enough evidence to support a realistic prospect of conviction

BAT was accused of bribing government officials from at least five African nations in an attempt to undermine a United Nations public health treaty, in breach of the UK Bribery Act. 

The misconduct allegations first surfaced on Panorama in December 2015, when the BBC current affairs programme broadcast claims by whistleblower, Paul Hopkins. 

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