Sweett Group

The SFO opened a criminal investigation into Sweett Group PLC in July 2014 in relation to its activities in the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere.

In February 2016, Sweett Group PLC were sentenced and ordered to pay £2.25 million.

Sweett Group PLC admitted an offence under Section 7 of the Bribery Act 2010 regarding its conduct in the Middle East on 2 December 2015 and pleaded guilty in December 2015.

The SFO charged the company with the following offence: Between 1 December 2012 and 1 December 2015 Sweett Group PLC, being a relevant commercial organisation, failed to prevent the bribing of Khaled Al Badie by an associated person, namely Cyril Sweett International Limited, their servants and agents.  The bribing was intended to obtain or retain business, and/or an advantage in the conduct of business, for Sweett Group PLC, namely securing and retaining a contract with Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Company for project management and cost consulting services in relation to the building of a hotel in Dubai, contrary to Section 7(1) of the Bribery Act 2010.

Outcome of criminal case

The company pleaded guilty on 18 December 2015 to a charge of failing to prevent an act of bribery intended to secure and retain a contract with Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Company (AAAI), contrary to Section 7(1)(b) of the Bribery Act 2010.

Sentencing

Sweett Group PLC was sentenced on 19 February 2016 and ordered to pay £2.25 million. The amount is broken down as £1.4m in fine, £851,152.23 in confiscation.

Additionally, £95,031.97 in costs were awarded to the SFO.