Britain launches fraud probe into Airbus: Serious Fraud Office

Britain's Serious Fraud Office said on Sunday it had opened a criminal probe into Airbus Group, investigating allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption.

"These allegations relate to irregularities concerning third party consultants," the SFO said in a statement.

The authority said it opened the investigation in July and asked anyone with relevant information to come forward.

A spokesperson for the SFO said additional details of the probe would not be made public until charges were brought or the investigation is dropped.

Airbus said it was aware of the probe and the aviation firm was working with investigators.

"Airbus Group has been informed by the SFO that it has opened a criminal investigation into allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption in the civil aviation business of Airbus Group relating to irregularities concerning third party consultants," the company said in a statement.