Greece investigates Ericsson staff over corruption
![Greece investigates Ericsson staff over corruption](https://www.ekathimerini.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/fakelaki_01-thumb-large-thumb-large.jpg)
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]