Walmart May Have Spent $24 Million in Mexican Bribes

Suspect payments totaling $24 million have tainted Walmart's operations in Mexico. In a statement released by the company, Walmart acknowledged an investigation related to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. This follows a damning New York Times article, which alleges a cover-up of widespread bribery.

The Times report quotes former executive Sergio Cicero Zapata, who worked for Wal-Mart de Mexico until 2004.

Cicero told the newspaper he had helped organize payoffs to local officials — including dispatching intermediaries to deliver envelopes full of cash. The aim of the bribes, he said, was to guarantee zoning approvals, reductions in environmental impact fees and support from neighborhood leaders, according to the newspaper.

 

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