Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks, two top aides to Rupert Murdoch that are already in deep with the phone hacking scandal, are now being charged with bribery. Coulson — the former head of media for Britain’s Prime Minister — and Brooks — the ex editor of News of The World — are currently facing phone hacking charges, which could mean a two year jail sentence for each.

According to The New York Times, Coulson and Brooks are among five people being charged with bribery. The new charges come via a police inquiry titled “Operation Elveden.” During investigations, British authorities found that the five people involved had authorized payments for information, specifically involving the Royal Family.

“The allegations relate to the request and authorization of payments to public officials in exchange for information, including a palace phone directory known as the ‘Green Book’ containing contact details for the Royal Family and Members of the Household,” said Alison Levitt, a prosecutor handling the case.

[Image - AFP/Carl Court]