Former BAE Systems agent charged with corruption

A former Austrian agent for British arms company BAE Systems was charged with corruption today.

Count Alfons Mensdorff-Pouilly (aged 56) is accused of bribing Government officials in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria.

Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigators probed claims large sums were handed over in return for contracts for Gripen fighter jets.

Mensdorff-Pouilly was due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, in north London, today.