‘No bribes were approved or paid with my consent’- Former MTN Group CEO

In response to allegations of bribery and “extensive corruption” made by Turkcell against MTN over the Iran telecom license debacle, Phuthuma Nhleko, former MTN Group CEO, has responded with a vehiment denial that any bribes were approved or paid with his consent or that of the MTN Group.

Earlier this week the Hawks launched an investigation into allegations that MTN paid bribes to secure a multi-billion dollar operating license in Iran.

The mobile network operator has denied the allegations and has gone on record as saying it has zero tollerance for corruption.

In the latest development, Nhleko made a statement reiterating the innocence of the Group and said that neither himself nor the company was in a position to influence or fetter the decisions and foreign policy of the South African government and did not do so.

In a statement released to the media Nhleko said, “The allegations now made by Turkcell are being made inexplicably for the first time in almost seven years after the licence was issued inIran.  These allegations are entirely without substance and have been made recklessly and irresponsibly by an aggrieved competitor.  Turkcell is attempting to pursue its claims in a US court, despite the fact that the issue is one between a Turkish company and a South African company regarding a licence  in Iran.  There is no connection whatsoever with the US.  The question of jurisdiction will ultimately be decided by a UScourt.  However, in the interim, Turkcell continues to use the media to publish its far‑fetched allegations, which are based on the contradictory and inconsistent evidence given, on deposition, in the US, by a disgruntled former MTN employee,”

“In the circumstances I do therefore consider it necessary to repeat that no bribes were approved or paid with my consent or the consent of the MTN Group.  The allegation that the MTN Group was pervaded by a culture of “extensive corruption” is scurrilous and untrue.  I remain willing to assist MTN and South African law enforcement agencies in rebutting the false claims and allegations made by Turkcell,” he added.

Staff Writer