Royal Navy contract handed to firm facing prosecution over Russia link | UK | News
The Dutch shipbuilding company, which is a large royal navy agreement, is now suspected of violating Russian sanctions. Serco, an outsourced public service, announced that Damen, a private Dutch company founded in 1927, will be paid to build two dozen ships to support the Royal Navy at the beginning of this month. Prosecutors in the Netherlands come after legal proceedings against the company in April after the illegal occupation of Ukraine in 2022, Vladimir Putin violated the EU sanctions throughout the EU regime in Russia.
A source also warned that the movement shows reluctance to keep the government’s defense supply within the company. “It just shows that there is no interest [in supporting the UK industry]”They said.” [country] Does he take them to court? “
Serco did not confirm the costs of the royal navy project, but approximately £ 200 million taxpayers fund went to Daen. Times Reports. The Dutch firm previously supplied ships to the Royal Navy and British border power.
The Dutch government also announced in a separate case for violating Russian sanctions, after a seven years of investigation into bribery and money laundering allegations, it was legal proceedings against Damen earlier this year.
The violation of the sanction was claimed to export goods and technologies to Russia in the second half of 2022 after the start of the Ukraine war in February. Damen rejected both numbers and insisted that “the highest standard for anti -corruption measures”.
He said the sanction case was linked to a one -time civil crane supply in the current sanction legislation.
The Ministry of Defense (MOD) added that the contract was signed before the Netherlands started legal action against the supplier and that the “decisive action” would be done if the allegations are approved.
However, the government failed to balance the criticism of parliamentarians, including the President of the Intelligence and Security Committee, Lord Beamish. “Mod should ensure that they export the UK ship -building work and support and that Serco is not provided to serve through British businesses.” He said.
“There is enough companies in the UK to do this. At the same time, the UK also causes problems around the UK National Ship Construction Strategy to supply UK ships. It is not a good look.”
Serco spokesman said that he has been working with Daen for more than 20 years and described the company as a “reliable partner”.
A mode spokesman added: “The UK mode will not make a contract with any company convicted of Russian -made violations. The Netherlands will be discussed closely with Serco, since the Dutch authorities are supported by the Dutch authorities.
