MTN faces $4.2bn claim from Turkcell
Turkcell, which is accusing MTN of bribery, and promising Iran weapons, says it ‘is delighted the case is finally coming to trial in SA’
Turkish telecoms company Turkcell’s $4.2bn claim against MTN is heading for trial at the High Court in Johannesburg after years of delays. The latest development in the long-standing feud comes at a time when MTN’s new management is implementing strategies to strengthen risk, compliance and governance systems, following a massive fine for flouting Nigerian rules. Turkcell originally filed its lawsuit against MTN in the US in 2012, but withdrew the case after the US Supreme Court ruled in another case that US courts did not have jurisdiction in cases involving foreign companies in disputes outside the US. In 2013, it lodged its lawsuit in the High Court in Johannesburg. Turkcell is accusing MTN of corruption by bribing officials, arranging meetings between Iranian and South African leaders and promising Iran weapons and UN votes in exchange for a licence to provide cellphone services in Iran. MTN maintains that there is no legal merit in the claim and it will defend the matter. MTN o...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.