U.S. now investigating Huawei: Reports

Having banned U.S. companies from supplying components to ZTE for shipping U.S. technology to Iran despite a U.S. export embargo, then violating a subsequent disciplinary agreement (see "ZTE: Commerce ban could 'severely impact the survival and development' of company"), the U.S. Government is investigating whether Huawei also might have shipped U.S. technology to Iran, according to media reports (including this one from Reuters, which followed an earlier report from the Wall Street Journal[subscription required]). The investigation, by the U.S. Department of Justice, is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Brooklyn, NY, according to the reports.

There appears to be no information on where the investigation stands or whether it has uncovered any evidence of wrongdoing. Huawei has responded to queries by stating that it complies "with all applicable laws and regulations where it operates."

The investigation comes as U.S. politicians and government officials regard the Chinese communications technology companies with increasing suspicion. In addition to the export row with ZTE, the FCC has proposed forbidding the use of Universal Service Funds to buy equipment from companies deemed national security threats, with Huawei and ZTE believed to be targets (see "FCC's Pai proposes ban on USF use on 'national security threats'"). Both the Senate and the House have seen bills filed this year that would bar the government from buying communications technology from the two Chinese companies as well.

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