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SFO closes British American Tobacco (BAT) Plc investigation

15 January, 2021 | Case Updates

Following extensive investigation and a comprehensive review of the available evidence, the SFO has concluded its investigation into British American Tobacco, its subsidiaries and associated persons. The evidence in this case did not meet the evidential test for prosecution as defined in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

The SFO will continue to offer assistance to the ongoing investigations of other law enforcement partners. We thank our international law enforcement partners, and in particular the Kenyan Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), for their assistance in the SFO’s investigation.

Notes to editors:

  1. The SFO makes charging decisions on the basis of the test in the Code for Crown Prosecutors. This specifies that the evidence must support a realistic prospect of conviction and that the prosecution must be in the public interest.
  2. The SFO announced its investigation into British American Tobacco in August 2017.

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