‘Higher-ups are in our pocket’ — An aviation giant with billions in military contracts admits to bribing officials in Nepal and South Africa

US attorney Matthew Graves in a blue suit at a table (Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

• AAR Corp., an aviation services provider with billions in contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies, has admitted to doling out millions in bribes to foreign government officials in a complex scheme that involved bid-rigging, phony payments for services, and the use of code names such as “Sisi,” “Cuz,” and “Boetie.” All told, AAR Corp. profited $24 million as a result of the bribery operation, officials said. 

AAR Corp. will pay $55 million in fines and penalties to resolve bribery investigations into payments made to high-ranking government officials in Nepal and South Africa, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).