U.S. Authorities Investigate Uber for Corruption Suspicions

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a preliminary investigation against the American technology company Uber for possible bribery, with the company stating that it is cooperating with authorities.

The preliminary investigation is the latest in a series of legal issues facing the ride-hailing company as it awaits the newly appointed CEO to take charge.

>>>Khosrowshahi is the new CEO of Uber

According to the selection of Uber’s board of directors, former head of the global online travel company Expedia, Dara Khosrowshahi (48), is the new CEO of the company, replacing Travis Kalanick, who stepped down in June under shareholder pressure.

An Uber spokesperson confirmed the existence of a ‘preliminary investigation,’ which was reported by the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, indicating that the U.S. Department of Justice has begun investigating whether Uber’s managers violated U.S. laws against bribing foreign officials, specifically the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which aims to prevent certain categories of individuals and entities from paying money to foreign government officials to assist them in obtaining or retaining business.

>>>Uber paid $10 million to return to Philippine roads

It remains unclear whether U.S. authorities are focused on one or more countries where Uber operates.

New CEO Khosrowshahi publicly addressed his new role for the first time in two interviews on Tuesday, confirming that he plans to take a leading role at Uber despite the many challenges the company faces.

– Are there difficulties? Is the situation complex? Are there challenges? Absolutely, but that’s what makes it fun, Khosrowshahi told Bloomberg.