Rolls-Royce says it doesn't tolerate corruption

New Delhi, Nov 1: Rolls-Royce on Tuesday said it has "zero tolerance to bribery and corruption" following allegations that it paid around 10 million pounds to an Indian middleman.

The bribery allegation was made in a BBC report on Monday.

Rolls-Royce said in a statement: "We have made it clear that Rolls-Royce will not tolerate business misconduct or inappropriate behaviour of any kind and in recent years we have intensified our focus on ethics and compliance, which are foundations of our culture."

An investigation by the BCC and The Guardian has found new evidence that suggests that Rolls-Royce was involved in corruption.

Panorama understands that the company made secret payments of around 10 million pounds to an unregistered Indian agent, the BBC said.

The programme found "evidence of a suspicious payment of cash that may have helped Rolls-Royce win a major contract for engines on Hawk aircraft".

Rolls-Royce said it was "fully co-operating with the authorities" and "cannot comment on ongoing investigations".

"It is for the SFO or other investigating authorities, not Rolls-Royce, to comment upon the scope and nature of the allegations they are investigating," the BBC reported.

Rolls Royce is a leading global engine manufacturer and supplies 'Adour' engines to BAE systems' Hawk advance Jet Trainer aircraft.

The Indian Air Force uses Hawk Jet Trainers to train its pilots.