The first of the 135 Patria AMV 8×8 armoured vehicles ordered by the Slovenian Ministry of Defence was handed over on Thursday. Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation is still looking into allegations of bribery in connection with the deal.
In addition to the now delivered vehicle, the Slovenian Ministry of Defence will receive another 12 Patria AMV 8×8 vehicles this month.
Patria and Slovenia signed the 280 million euro armoured vehicle deal in 2006. All 135 of the carriers on order are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2013.
As late as in April, the Slovenian newspaper Delo published a report that the government was considering either cancelling the contract or reducing the number of vehicles to 85 because of delays in deliveries. In addition, there was dissatisfaction with the quality of the vehicles being offered.
Patria is alleged to have paid bribes to officials at the Slovenian Ministry of Defence and to Prime Minister Janez Jansa. One of the main suspects is an Austrian. Police investigations are under way not only in Finland, but also in Slovenia and Austria.
