New York Times alleges bribery in Hungarian Gripen purchases

The New York Times has alleged that the British BAE Systems and Swedish Saab AB, which sold Hungary the Gripen fighter jets, paid several million dollars to the larger Hungarian political parties six years ago, writes Inforadio.hu, which expands on what the American paper said. The paper quoted the since retired Lt. Gen. Tome H. Walters, who in 2001 wrote to the Czech foreign ministry, who also purchased Gripens, citing a “‘lack of transparency’ in the negotiations.” The Czech purchase followed similar circumstances witnessed in the Hungarian bid.

BAE has denied the accusations, stating: “BAE Systems has very strong policies and processes in place which it is clearly committed to communicating to its employees and advisers. Any action which is unlawful, dishonest, harmful to others or otherwise against our policies, is unacceptable.”

The Hungarian government decided to purchase the Gripen fighters in 2001, and the new government in from 2002 modified the contract in 2003. According to the contract, Hungary will lease 14 fighters for Ft. 210 billion, (approximately €823 million), for ten years after which the planes will be Hungarian owned.

A Hungarian committee examining the purchase of the planes did not receive authority to investigate for corruption, and therefore has declined to pursue the possibility of it, the director of the committee told InfoRádió. Ágnes Vadai, who is also a state secretary for the Ministry of Defense added that to investigate for corruption, a new parliamentary committee would need to be formed.