S-African telecom lading company investigated in US
(MENAFN) South African telecom giant MTN has revealed that it is under investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) via a grand jury inquiry concerning its former subsidiaries in Afghanistan and Iran. The company disclosed the probe in its 2025 interim financial report, stating that it was contacted through its external US legal counsel.
MTN said it is fully cooperating with the DOJ and voluntarily providing requested information, and promised to update stakeholders on any significant developments. Grand juries do not determine guilt but assess whether sufficient evidence exists to bring formal charges, meaning MTN could potentially face a criminal trial in the US.
Reports suggest the investigation involves allegations that MTN paid protection money to militant groups in Afghanistan and raises questions about the company’s acquisition of its license in Iran. MTN is also entangled in a legal dispute with Turkish telecom Turkcell, which claims MTN acquired its 49% stake in Iranian mobile operator Irancell through corrupt means, unfairly blocking Turkcell from the deal in 2006.
The probe comes amid deteriorating US-South Africa relations, following the Trump administration’s recent 30% tariffs on South African imports and accusations of human rights abuses, particularly targeting the Afrikaner community.
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