Norwegian arms firm charged with corruption

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Stockholm • The Norwegian defense group Kongsberg says it has been charged with corruption relating to its activities in Romania.

Kongsberg say it was informed of the charges Tuesday by the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime.

It added that the charges are linked to deliveries of communication equipment to Romania from 1999 to 2008, but didn't provide any more details.

In 1999-2001 the company said it had secured communication equipment contracts worth more than 800 million Norwegian kroner ($132 million) with Romanian authorities, including the interior ministry and ministry for foreign affairs.

It said it will cooperate closely with authorities to clarify "all facts related to the charges."

Kongsberg, half-owned by the Norwegian government, makes missiles, as well as defense surveillance systems.