NEWS

Greece investigates Ericsson staff over corruption

Greece investigates Ericsson staff over corruption

Greek authorities are investigating seven employees of the Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson on suspicion of corruption, the company said on Sunday, just days after it confirmed a separate US-led graft probe.

Investigators are probing Greece’s purchase of radar technology in 1999 from Ericsson Microwave Systems, a subsidiary that was sold in 2006.

“Recently, seven current and former Ericsson employees have been summoned for questioning by the Greek public prosecutor as part of a preliminary inquiry into allegations of possible corruption,” Ericsson said in a statement.

Ericsson said that Greek authorities had not made direct contact with the company.

A Greek businessman who worked for Ericsson was arrested in September on suspicion of paying a bribe of 2 million euros ($2.3 million) to a Greek politician, allegedly to help the company secure a 540-million-euro deal.

US authorities are probing the company over separate allegations of corruption in its operations in China, Swedish media reported Thursday.

Ericsson confirmed in a statement Friday that US officials had “a number of questions” relating to its activities without giving further details.

[AFP]

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