BAE probe: US seeks Government help

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The DoJ is investigating BAE Systems' business dealings - including allegations of corruption over a controversial contract with Saudi Arabia.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) abandoned its own investigation of the massive Al Yamamah deal amid concerns the Saudi authorities would withdraw co-operation on counter-terrorism matters.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Attorney General Lord Goldsmith were heavily criticised over the decision to halt the inquiry into the £40 billion contract.

BAE Systems has been accused of paying bribes of £1 billion to Prince Bandar bin Sultan in return for setting up the arms deal.

The Prince has denied receiving any improper payments while BAE has said that all payments it made under the terms of the deal were made with the express approval of both the British and the Saudi governments.

The Sunday Telegraph reported that the DoJ had written to the Home Office earlier this month asking for mutual legal assistance and the request is being considered by officials.

Robert Wardle, the SFO's director, said national security may be an issue in deciding whether to assist the US authorities.

He told the Sunday Telegraph: "We will do what is appropriate to comply with our obligations to help other jurisdictions, but obviously we will take into account the same considerations of national security if they arise."