LONDON (Reuters) - Britain ordered the suspension of the government in its Caribbean territory of the Turks and Caicos on Friday after an investigation found evidence of widespread corruption.

It said the step was needed to restore good governance and sound financial management.

“After careful consideration, I have instructed the Governor to bring into force today an Order in Council which will suspend ministerial government and the House of Assembly for a period of up to two years, to allow the Governor to put the Islands’ affairs back in good order,” Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant said in a statement.

Britain recently launched a probe into allegations of corruption among elected local officials.