An FBI investigation into possible criminal violations by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp of a US law banning bribery of foreign officials has expanded to include an examination of the activities of former company holdings in Russia, according to a source close to the investigation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation will seek to consult Russian authorities, the source said. The activities in Russia of Murdoch’s company, which publishes the Irish editions of the Sunday Times and the Sun, are being looked at as part of a broader FBI investigation into possible violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act – an inquiry fueled by allegations that Murdoch journalists systematically made questionable payments to British public servants, for story tipoffs. – (Reuters)