Resolution Of Legacy Compliance Cases Continues

The investigation of Airbus Defense and Space by the Munich Public Prosecutor (Staatsanwaltschaft München I) related to the sale of Eurofighter aircraft to the Republic of Austria in 2003 has been terminated. The result of the investigation by the Munich Public Prosecutor, which had been ongoing since 2012, did not confirm the allegations of bribery.

In order to conclude the investigation, the Munich Public Prosecutor has issued an administrative penalty notice against Airbus Defense and Space under the German Act on Administrative Misdemeanours (“Ordnungswidrigkeitengesetz”) amounting to €81.25 million (approx. $101 million U.S.). The total amount comprises an administrative fine of €250,000 (approx. $312,000) and a disgorgement of €81 million (approx. $101 million). Airbus Defense and Space has accepted this notice.

The notice is based on the allegation of a negligent breach of supervisory duties of non-identified former management members of Airbus Defense and Space. The notice alleges that certain former management negligently failed to ensure proper internal controls that would have prevented employees from making payments to business partners without proven documented services in exchange.

On the other hand, the notice explicitly recognizes the major efforts undertaken by Airbus and its management since 2012, which have resulted in a new Compliance culture and a serious Compliance program.

Since the beginning of the investigation, Airbus has fully cooperated with the Munich Public Prosecutor. This included the provision of an independent fact finding report of the law firm Clifford Chance, which Airbus shared with the Munich Public Prosecutor in 2014.

(Source: Airbus news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.airbus.com