The internal investigation was launched after the Guardian asked Airbus if the transactions could constitute money-laundering. The businessman’s holding company records the payment to Rochade as an “interim dividend” in internal financial documents. It is not clear why Rochade, which is not a shareholder in the holding company, would be entitled to any dividend. Airbus said: “As part of our ongoing compliance upgrade and investigation into historic business practices within the company, Airbus is determined to uncover any non-compliance and improper practices to ensure that they can never happen again. Airbus receives huge financial support from the British, French and German governments to help exports.

Source: The Guardian September 18, 2017 04:41 UTC