Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, on what grounds the Serious Fraud Office declined to investigate reports referred to it by the Department for International Development that UK aid may have been channelled via CDC Group and Energy Capital Partners into companies linked to James Ibori; and if he will make a statement.

The Serious Fraud Office continues actively to evaluate material referred to it by the Department for International Development alleging that UK aid may have been channelled to companies linked to James Ibori.

As part of that review it is examining whether there is any indication of an offence falling within the criminal jurisdiction of England and Wales as opposed to criminal jurisdictions overseas. No formal decision has yet been made in relation to this matter and no investigation has been opened.