Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the article entitled UK Missed Chance to Stop Suspect Bosnian Bullet Deal published in Balkan Insight on 6 June 2018, whether those responsible for shipping ammunition from Bosnia to Saudi Arabia without a trade licence will be prosecuted; and whether future license applications from those responsible will be denied.

The Government cannot comment on individuals or companies that have previously been, or are currently being investigated. HM Revenue and Customs, on behalf of the Government, investigates all credible allegations of strategic export control offences, which can proceed to a full criminal investigation. HMRC investigators will recommend prosecution when and where there is clear evidence of a serious criminal offence.

Export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking account of all prevailing circumstances at the time of the application. The assessment may also take into account the risk that the proposed legitimate activity to be licensed will directly or indirectly facilitate other activities that violate export control or sanctions legislation. In doing so, the Government will consider, inter alia, the conduct of the licence applicant.