Microsoft Under Investigation For Bribery Allegations

Here's something you don't hear about often: Microsoft is under investigation with regard to bribery. U.S. authorities are examining the company's potential involvement with "companies and individuals that allegedly paid bribes to overseas government officials in exchange for business." The United States Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission have both cracked open cases to investigate the allegations, which specifically involve Microsoft in China, Italy and Romania.


Microsoft itself confessed that it has acknowledged the ongoing investigation, stating: "We take all allegations brought to our attention seriously, and we cooperate fully in any government inquiries. 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. We also invest heavily in proactive training, compliance systems, monitoring and audits to ensure our business operations around the world meet the highest legal and ethical standards."

Of course, Microsoft isn't actually confirming that investigations are ongoing, but have vaguely made clear that it'll cooperate. Also, it's important to note that companies as large as Microsoft find themselves wrapped up in this more frequently than smaller firms, and it makes sense to wait until everything plays out before passing judgement.