Authorities have arrested three individuals amid an SFO investigation into alleged £3 million bribes connected to a Microsoft data centre project in the Netherlands, involving UK firm Blu-3 and former Mace associates. Searches took place across multiple UK locations and Monaco, with the National Crime Agency supporting the probe.
Three individuals have been arrested amid a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation concerning alleged bribes amounting to £3 million connected to a Microsoft data centre project in the Netherlands. The arrests followed a coordinated operation involving dawn raids on five properties across London, Kent, Surrey, and Somerset on Wednesday.
The SFO operation mainly targeted the UK infrastructure firm Blu-3 and former associates of the global construction group Mace. The investigation centres on suspected payments made by Blu-3 to associates linked with Mace in relation to the construction activities at the data centre.
In addition to the raids conducted in the UK, authorities in Monaco, with assistance from the SFO, searched premises connected to one of the suspects. The SFO deployed over 70 staff members for the operation, which included searches at four residential homes and one commercial property. The National Crime Agency is providing ongoing support for the investigation.
The Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby MP, was present during one of the arrests in North London. She stated: “Bribery undermines the values of fairness and playing by the rules, and hurts individuals, businesses and our wider economy.” Meanwhile, SFO Director Nick Ephgrave emphasised the agency’s commitment to addressing corruption, noting that the arrests demonstrated the SFO’s readiness to act “rapidly and robustly” against bribery and corruption.
It is important to note that Microsoft is not accused of any wrongdoing in the case. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the extent of the alleged corrupt practices linked to the data centre project. The Construction News is reporting on these developments.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is very recent, dated April 30, 2025, and describes ongoing legal actions, indicating that it is fresh news.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Quotes from Solicitor General Lucy Rigby MP and SFO Director Nick Ephgrave are included but could not be verified as the first instance of use. However, given the context of recent arrests, these quotes are likely contemporary.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from Construction News, a reputable publication in the construction sector, though not as widely known globally as outlets like the BBC or Financial Times.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The allegations of bribery and subsequent arrests are plausible given the involvement of the Serious Fraud Office and the coordinated nature of the operation. The narrative aligns with typical investigative procedures.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
This narrative is recent, well-supported by credible sources, and plausibly aligns with standard investigative procedures. Quotes are likely contemporary, enhancing the narrative's reliability.
