By Black Star News
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
South Africa’s telecommunications giant, MTN, is reportedly being investigated by the Trump Justice Department due to its operations in Iran and Afghanistan.
The company released a statement, regarding the DOJ investigation saying, “MTN has been approached, through its external US counsel, regarding a DOJ grand jury investigation relating to MTN Group, its former subsidiary in Afghanistan and Iran.”
MTN, Africa’s largest telecommunications company, which has some 300 million subscribers, said that, “MTN is cooperating with the DOJ and voluntarily responding to requests for information. The Company will update the market as appropriate on any material developments in the matter.”
The DOJ investigation could lead to indictments and charges against the company.
Some believe the DOJ investigation is related to a 2022 lawsuit against MTN, filed by American military members, and civilians, who were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2005 to 2010. The petitioners claim that MTN, and an Iranian company named Irancell, helped anti-American militants in Iraq and Afghanistan. MTN has a 49 percent interest in Irancell.
DOJ is said to be investigating allegations that MTN paid protection money to militia groups in Afghanistan. There are also questions about how the company obtain its Iran license. Turkisk telecommunication company, Turkcell, is said to have alleged that MTN obtained its 49 percent interest, in Irancell, through corrupt practices. Turkcell is also in a legal battle with MTN.
MTN has reportedly made internal leadership changes. They have appointed Ferdi Moolman, as CEO in South Africa and MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola takes on the added responsibility as the vice president for Francophone Africa.
The case against MTN comes at a time of escalating tensions between Washington and the government of South Africa—particularly, as the Trump Administration recently levied a 30 percent tariff against the country.
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