The construction services firm Sweett Group has been ordered to pay £2.25 million ($3.24m) after being convicted of a bribery offence that took place in the UAE, according to the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
The UK-based company pleaded guilty in December 2015 to the charge of failing to prevent an act of bribery, which was intended to secure and retain a contract with a local insurance company, the SFO said.
“Acts of bribery by UK companies significantly damage this country’s commercial reputation. This conviction and punishment, the SFO’s first under section 7 of the Bribery Act, sends a strong message that UK companies must take full responsibility for the actions of their employees and in their commercial activities act in accordance with the law,” said David Green, Director of the SFO. 
The relevant conduct occurred between 1 December 2012 and 1 December 2015, and concerned the building of a hotel in Abu Dhabi, the SFO said.
Sweett Group said late last year that it is exiting the Middle East region after admitting to the bribery charge.
