MELBOURNE, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Australian mining giant BHP Billiton said it is cooperating with an Australian Federal Police investigation into possible corruption within the corporation.
The company announced in April 2010 the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission had opened an investigation into possible corruption involving its interactions with foreign officials.
The company said Saturday it is cooperating with investigations by the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice involving "matters in connection with previously terminated exploration and development efforts, as well as hospitality provided as part of the Company's sponsorship of the 2008 Beijing Olympics."
BHP says it is "not appropriate at this stage for BHP Billiton to comment further or to predict outcomes [of investigations]."
"BHP Billiton is fully committed to operating with integrity and the Group's policies specifically prohibit engaging in unethical conduct. BHP Billiton has what it considers to be a world class anti-corruption compliance program," the company said.
