Probe into corruption allegations against trade official

THE European Anti-Fraud Office has opened an investigation into a senior commission official accused of passing on secret commercial information in return for a promise of money when he retired.

The man, a German lawyer working in the Trade Directorate in Brussels, was wined and dined by journalists from The Sunday Times posing as lobbyists representing Chinese business interests.

Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson is reported to be furious and has ordered Directorate head, Irishman David O’Sullivan, to ensure the code of conduct is being rigorously adhered to.