Monday February 4, 08:12 AM
Scandal-hit Siemens seeks one million euros from staff: report
FRANKFURT (AFP) - Scandal-hit German engineering giant Siemens (Xetra: 723610 - news) is seeking one million euros (1.48 million dollars) from employees implicated in a bribery scandal, a press report said Monday, quoting a company spokesman.
The employees have worked for the company for years but have not signed on to Siemens' amnesty programme for those willing to testify in a probe into slush funds and bribery, the daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung also quoted legal sources as saying.
In early November (Frankfurt: A0S9N7 - news) , Siemens said it had uncovered 1.3 billion euros (1.9 billion dollars) in a series of dubious transactions, highlighting the scope of scandals that have engulfed the company.
The group in particular is alleged to have made payments in foreign countries to obtain contracts and has struggled with successive revelations since late 2005.
Siemens has promised not to take heavy sanctions, such as firing or request damages and interest, against staff that inform the company of violations of the law or irregularities in the accounts.
Others have been sent "orders to pay", the spokesman was quoted as saying.
The measure is an initial step in legal proceedings to recover damages plus interest.
Siemens' supervisory board is also considering complaints against current or former members of the board, if they are found guilty of violations or negligence, the newspaper said, quoting a supervisory board member.
German judicial officials are now investigating two former members of the managment board.
By its next meeting in April, the supervisory board hopes to have more details on the possible implication of other Siemens directors, the report said.
Siemens has already paid 1.6 billion euros in fines, legal fees and internal investigation costs in connection with the affair.
Former boss Klaus Kleinfeld and supervisory board president Heinrich von Pierer have stepped down as well.
|
|
|
Send Article by Email
Send Article by IM
Blog This with Y! 360
Printable View
