Siemens executive denies bribes role
Heinrich von Pierer, a former president and managing director of Siemens, denied in an Athens court on Thursday any knowledge of the bribes the Greek branch of the German firm is alleged to have paid to public officials to secure contracts.
According to sources, von Pierer told magistrate Maria Nikolakea said that he had no part in the 1997 multimillion agreement, known as the 8002 contract, for Siemens to digitize OTE telecom’s network. He said that the comapny’s information and communication networks department was responsible for the deal.
Von Pirer also denied knowing former Transport Minister Tasos Mantelis, currently on trial for allegedly accepting payments from Siemens. The German executive said it was not usual practice for Siemens to “sponsor” politicians. Mantelis claims the payment was an election campaign contribution.
