After initially declining to confirm reports that it was investigating Tata Steel, the SFO said: "The Serious Fraud Office confirms it opened a criminal investigation in December 2015 into activity at Speciality Steels, a business unit of Tata Steel (UK) Ltd. We can make no further comment at this time".
The SFO's investigation relates to charges of falsifying certificates on steel composition at Tata Steel's Yorkshire site. It is alleged that some company employees may have falsified certificates detailing the composition of its steel before sale.