Petrofac boss Asfari donates to Tories amid SFO probe
Under-fire Petrofac chief executive Ayman Asfari made a donation to the Conservative party ahead of June’s general election, despite being under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office.
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Theresa May's party received the cash donation from the oil services firm’s boss just days before it was revealed that Petrofac and Asfari were being investigated over suspected bribery, corruption and money laundering.
Syrian-born Asfari and his wife have been long-time donors to the Tories, forming part of an elite group that all contributes over £50,000 apiece per year.
Syrian-born Asfari and his wife have been long-time donors to the Tories
Electoral Commission records show that the Conservatives received donations totalling more than £4m in their first week of fundraising , while Labour gathered around £2.7m.
Petrofac became the subject of a criminal investigation from the SFO last week, related to its relationship with Monaco-based consultancy firm Unaoil.
Asfari and chief operating officer Marwan Chedid have both been questioned under caution by the SFO, the agency said, confirming that it "is investigating the activities of Petrofac Plc, its subsidiaries, and their officers, employees and agents for suspected bribery, corruption and money laundering".
Shares in the firm were sent 9% lower when the investigation was revealed, and were trading 5.45% lower as of 16:31 BST on Thursday.