Arms deal: Sweden turns up heat

The temperature climbed a few degrees in the arms deal kitchen this week as the Swedish prosecutorial authority directed a seemingly low-key missive to South African counterparts inquiring whether investigations into the defence procurement scandal had been reopened.

The letter, under the signature of Gunnar Stetler, the director of the Swedish National Anti-Corruption Unit, notes that details have come to light of what he describes as an alleged “bribery scheme towards South Africa”, and asks whether in response to the new information, the South African judicial authorities have seen fit to open preliminary investigations.

Speaking to the Tribune on Friday, Stetler said this week’s letter was the first step towards securing co-operation from South African investigators in his inquiries.

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