Several sites in Switzerland linked to the French engineering group Alstom have been searched by authorities as part of an investigation into illegal payments.

In a statement, the Federal Prosecutor's Office said one person had been arrested, "strongly suspected" of abuse of administrative duties, corruption and money laundering.

Swiss officials were acting on a request from their counterparts in France, and several French police officers took part in the raids.

The premises searched included homes of individuals associated with Alstom, as well as offices belonging to Alstom Prom AG in Baden, near Zurich.

"Findings up to date suggest that other companies belonging to the Alstom Group have made corrupt payments to officials or functionaries via the Alstom Prom AG based in Baden, which in some cases might have led to the awarding of contracts," the statement said.

The prosecutor's office pointed out that the current investigation had no direct link to other pending proceedings by federal law enforcement agencies against persons associated with the Alstom Group.

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