WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- The Pentagon is investigating bribery allegations against two members of Iraq's Coalition Provisional Authority and Iraq's communications minister.
The Financial Times Saturday quoted sources saying the investigation involves lucrative licenses to build and operate mobile phone networks in Iraq that were granted last month to a consortium of Orascom Iraq, Asia Cell and Atheer.
The sources said the Pentagon's inspector general began an investigation into the Orascom contract, partly because of allegations from a rival bidder that failed to win one of the licenses, the Times said.
Communications Minister Haider al-Abadi said he could not have influenced the licenses because he was appointed to his post after a CPA selection committee made their recommendation.
Ala al-Khawaja, a partner in the Orascom-led consortium, has also denied taking bribes, the Times said. Orascom has also denied any wrongdoing.
