Chinese telecoms giant Huawei raided in France by financial prosecutors
- The firm was searched on suspicion of ‘atteinte à la probité’, a term that could include corruption or misuse of public funds, among other crimes
- Huawei has research centres in France and is currently building its first production factory outside China in a town near Strasbourg
Chinese wireless equipment maker Huawei Technologies said its office in France was searched as part of a preliminary investigation by French financial prosecutors.
The probe is into suspicions of atteinte à la probité, a justice ministry official said on Thursday, referring to a catch-all term that could include corruption, misuse of public funds or influence peddling, among other infractions. He declined to provide any further details on the alleged actions.
Huawei France, which is based near Paris, said in an emailed statement that the search occurred on Tuesday at its office. It added that it had cooperated fully with the investigations and would continue to do so.
“Huawei has been in France for over 20 years, and has been in compliance with all the French laws and regulations,” the company said in the statement. “While Huawei France does not wish to comment on an ongoing investigation, the company remains confident about its conclusions.”
French news website l’Informe first reported the probe.