South African govt suspends ambassador linked to MTN case

News Wireless South Africa 12 JUL 2012
South African govt suspends ambassador linked to MTN case
South Africa's foreign ministry has suspended a former ambassador to Tehran after allegations that he took a USD 200,000 bribe to help MTN Group win a mobile licence in Iran, Reuters reported, citing a spokesman in a radio interview. Clayson Monyela told Talk Radio 702 that Yusuf Saloojee, currently ambassador to Oman, has been suspended until investigations into his links to the MTN deal are concluded.

MTN is being sued by Turkish rival Turkcell for USD 4.2 billion. The Turkish company alleges MTN bribed Saloojee and used other underhanded methods to win a licence over Turkcell in 2005. MTN has denied the charges and called Turkcell's demands extortionate. An elite South African police unit also launched an investigation but it has not given details of its investigation. Saloojee has denied the allegations in statements published by the South African media.

Categories:

Mobile

Companies:

Turkcell,  MTN,  MTN Irancell

Countries:

South Africa

Tags:

Government telecommunications licensing, Government policy, Legislation - Lawsuits

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