Several suspects arrested over Nato arms contract graft

BRUSSELS, Belgium: Nato said Wednesday that several suspects had been detained over alledged corruption in procurement contracts, as authorities in Belgium and in Luxembourg announced an inquiry.

“Law enforcement authorities in a number of countries have arrested a number of individuals accused of corrupt activities related to Nato contracts,” Nato spokeswoman Allison Hart said.

“Nato -- including the NSPA (Nato Support and Procurement Agency) -- is working closely with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Prosecutors in Belgium said one person had been formally arrested in the country after anti-corruption officers carried out searches.

“The investigation concerns possible irregularities in awarding contracts to defence contractors for the purchase of military equipment for Nato such as ammunition and drones,” the Belgian prosecutors said.