The UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has confirmed it has opened an investigation into the activities of the De La Rue group and its associated persons in relation to suspected corruption in South Sudan. 

In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, De La Rue said it ‘intends to co-operate with the SFO in its investigation’, adding that: “Given the early stage of these matters, it is not possible to predict reliably what effect their outcome may have on De La Rue. The company will provide a further update as and when appropriate.”

De La Rue exports to 142 countries and is one of the world’s leading security printers, producing some 7 billion banknotes and more than 15 million passports every year.