Microsoft has confirmed media reports that it is working with the US government to investigate claims that it sanctioned bribes for officials in Russia and Pakistan in order to win supplier contracts.
The Wall Street Journal reported that an ongoing probe focused on suspected illegal activity in China, Bulgaria and Italy has been expanded to include Russia and Pakistan; that’s a fact that John Frank, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Microsoft, acknowledged in a blog post.
“Like other large companies with operations around the world, we sometimes receive allegations about potential misconduct by employees or business partners, and we investigate them fully, regardless of the source,” Frank wrote, explaining that the company has a 50 person-strong internal investigation team and 120 legal compliance officers.
The Journal says the bribery allegations include a claim that Microsoft bankrolled a Pakistani government official and his wife’s five-day holiday to Egypt in exchange for a contract.
➤ Upholding legal and ethical standards [Microsoft] | Wall Street Journal
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
Headline image via AFP / Getty Images
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.