BENTONVILLE, Ark., Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Wal-Mart Stores is trying to settle a U.S. investigation into reports it knowingly hired contractors who used illegal immigrants to clean stores.
Department of Justice officials and Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer, have discussed a settlement of around $10 million, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.
Payment of such a fine is not expected to include any admission of wrongdoing, and Wal-Mart executives are not expected to face criminal charges.
The Bentonville, Ark., company has been the subject of a seven-month federal grand-jury investigation into violations of federal immigration laws.
Despite its negotiations to settle the charges, Wal-Mart maintains publicly it did nothing wrong.
"From the very beginning, we've maintained we knew nothing of the alleged violations of the floor-cleaning contractors and that we hoped the government would reach that conclusion in an expeditious manner," said Gus Whitcomb, Wal-Mart spokesman.
"We continue to cooperate with this investigation, which includes talking with government representatives on a regular basis. If and when there are any material developments in the case, we will share them."
