The US Department of Justice is looking into whether Uber violated laws involving the bribery of foreign officials, the company confirmed to Business Insider on Tuesday.
The DOJ is examining allegations that Uber, the privately-held ride-hailing giant, may have violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The law makes it illegal for individuals and organizations to pay foreign government officials in order to obtain or retain business.
It’s not clear exactly what incidents or countries the DOJ is looking at, or when the alleged violations occurred.
The investigation marks the troublesome complication for Uber, the world’s most valuable privately-held tech startup, following months of controversies and internal turmoil. On Sunday, Uber’s dividied board of directors voted to make Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Expedia, the new Chief Executive at Uber. Uber cofounder Travis Kalanick resigned from the CEO post in June.
An Uber spokesman told Business Insider that the investigation, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, is in its preliminary stages and that Uber was cooperating. The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Based on what the DOJ’s examination finds, officials will decide whether to open a full-fledged investigation, the Journal reported.
This story is developing…
Het bericht The US Justice Department is investigating whether Uber violated foreign-bribery laws verscheen eerst op Business Insider.