On July 30, 2020, the UK Serious Fraud Office announced that it had brought charges against GPT Special Project Management Ltd and three individuals for their alleged roles in a corruption scheme involving work performed for the Saudi Arabian National Guard.
According to the allegations, GPT and Jeffrey Cook in his former role as managing director of the company, engaged in conduct contrary to section 1 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906 during the period between 2007 and 2012; in addition, Cook has been charged under the Common Law with misconduct in public office between 2004 and 2008 in connection with commissions paid to ME Consultants for his then-employer, the Ministry of Defence. Another individual, Terence Dorothy, has been charged with aiding and abetting Cook’s conduct.
A third individual, in addition to Cook and Dorothy, has been charged in connection with the conduct of GPT’s business in Saudi Arabia: John Mason served as financial officer and part owner of two companies that worked as subcontractors for GPT during the relevant period.
The SFO initiated its investigation of GPT in 2012. These are the first charges brought in the case.