Microsoft backs review of foreign bribery allegations

SEATTLE (REUTERS) - Microsoft Corp said on Tuesday that allegations of potential bribery by employees in China, Romania and Italy should be reviewed by United States (US) agencies and its own compliance unit, but declined to address the specifics of any cases.

The software giant's comments came after the Wall Street Journal reported that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had launched investigations over tips from a former Microsoft employee that the company handed kickbacks to foreign government officials in return for software contracts.

"The matters raised in the Wall Street Journal are important, and it is appropriate that both Microsoft and the government review them," wrote Mr John Frank, the company's deputy general counsel, in a blog post on the company's website.

"We take all allegations brought to our attention seriously and we cooperate fully in any government inquiries," he added, without confirming that the software company was aware of any investigation.