Analysis

Hungary opens new investigation in Microsoft fraud case

The Hungarian Central Prosecutor’s Office has opened a new investigation into corruption and fraud involving the local subsidiary of software giant Microsoft.

In July, Microsoft agreed to pay 25 million US dollars to settle an investigation against its Hungarian subsidiary. According to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), between 2013 and June 2015, a senior executive and a number of other employees at Microsoft Hungary participated in a scheme to inflate margins in the Microsoft sales channel, which were used to fund improper payments under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

However, the prosecutor’s office has now confirmed that it has received additional criminal complaints related to the case and has asked the DOJ to share all relevant information in order to start a new investigation.