13 Mar 2013

Olympic bribery probe touches BHP

10:21 pm on 13 March 2013

Mining firm BHP Billiton says that it is co-operating with a probe into possible violations of corruption laws during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Its comments came after news stories that US and Australian authorities are looking into BHP's actions, the BBC reports.

As a sponsor of the games, BHP provided gifts and hospitality to Chinese and other officials, the Australian Financial Review newspaper alleges.

BHP, the world's largest miner, says its actions complied with the law.

"BHP Billiton is fully committed to operating with integrity and the group's policies specifically prohibit engaging in bribery in all its forms," BHP says.

Australian Federal Police confirm they are involved in the investigation, along with the US Justice Department.

BHP supplied material for the gold, silver and bronze medals during the Olympic games.