Archive · 11 Dec 2025
ZTE May Pay Over $1 Billion to US for Foreign Bribery Allegations
ZTE, a big Chinese phone and internet equipment company, might have to pay the U.S. government over $1 billion.
This is because they are accused of bribing officials in other countries to get business deals.
The U.S. has been investigating this for a long time.
ZTE has already paid a lot of money before for breaking other rules.
If they don't settle this time, the U.S. might stop them from buying important parts from American companies like Qualcomm.
ZTE says they don't tolerate bribery and have rules against it.
But the U.S. is still checking if ZTE broke their promises from a previous deal.
This could hurt ZTE's money situation, but they made a lot of profit last year.
ZTE Corp may pay over $1 billion to the U.S. to resolve foreign bribery allegations.
The U.S. Justice Department is investigating ZTE for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
ZTE has faced previous probes and paid $2 billion in penalties during Trump's first term.
The most recent alleged bribery act occurred in 2018, with deals in South America, including Venezuela.
A settlement would require approval from the Chinese government and could weaken ZTE's finances.
- Who
- ZTE Corp, U.S. Justice Department, U.S. Commerce Department
- What
- Potential settlement for foreign bribery allegations
- When
- Investigation ongoing, most recent bribery act in 2018
- Where
- South America, other regions, U.S.
- Why
- Alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
- Company
- ZTE Corp
- Allegations
- Foreign bribery in South America and other regions
- Potential Settlement
- More than $1 billion
- Previous Penalties
- $2 billion in penalties during Trump's first term
- Recent Bribery Act
- 2018
- Current Profit
- $1.16 billion in 2023
- U.S. Suppliers
- Qualcomm, Intel, AMD