Miner BHP Billiton Plc. (BHP, BBL, BLT.L, BHP.AX) said it believed its sponsoring of the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing complied with all applicable laws and that it was co-operating with a probe into possible violation of anti-corruption laws.
Reports had emerged on Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Justice and the Australian Federal Police were investigating charges that the mining giant provided gifts and hospitality to Chinese and other foreign officials.
Responding to a freedom of information request from the Australian Financial Review, the Justice Department said it was holding "law enforcement proceedings" that involved BHP. The miner supplied materials for the gold, silver and bronze medals used in the Beijing Olympics.
BHP's Olympics-related hospitality, between 2000 and 2008, is said to have involved over 170 VIPs, including highly-placed officials in the government and Chinese steel and mineral company chief executives.
BHP.AX is currently up 0.6 percent at A$35.88.
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