Prosecutors in Germany raided Mercedes-Benz’ Bremen plant yesterday, and searched several workers’ homes, as part of a corruption probe.
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According to Reuters, the investigation into possible breach of trust and bribery is targeting 11 company staff and employees of construction firms suspected of charging the Bremen plant for work conducted on Mercedes-Benz’ staff’s private homes.
A similar case emerged at the Sindelfingen plant last year.
A Mercedes-Benz representative has said that the company is cooperating with the investigation.
The raid has nothing to do with investigations by the US and German authorities into allegations it bribed foreign officials for business favours.
Germany allowed tax deductions for bribery overseas until 1999, but bribes by US companies were made illegal in 1977 and recently the US has stepped up enforcement of anti-bribery laws.
Recent reports suggest that DaimlerChrysler is seeking a settlement in the case that first emerged in 2004.
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