British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is investigating alleged corruption by staff at its pharmaceuticals division in Iraq, the group announced today.
GSK, which already faces a bribery probe in China, stressed that it would not tolerate illegal behaviour by staff.
"We are investigating allegations of improper conduct in our Iraq business. We have zero tolerance for unethical or illegal behaviour," a spokesman told AFP.
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London-listed GSK employs fewer than 60 people in its pharmaceuticals operation in Iraq, while the allegations relate to a "small number" of individuals, he added.
"However, we are investigating whether there has been any improper conduct and these investigations are ongoing."
The Wall Street Journal had reported today that a person familiar with GSK's Middle Eastern operations had emailed the drugs firm to report alleged misconduct and corrupt practices in Iraq dating from 2012 and 2013.
The spokesman added today that GSK remained committed to improve healthcare in emerging nations like Iraq.
"Operating in emerging markets is challenging given the issues many of these countries face with funding and maturity of their respective healthcare systems," he said.
"However, we continue to believe that with robust compliance systems and, by working closely with local governments, our presence in these markets can help improve access to medicines and broader healthcare."
GSK is currently in the process of overhauling how it markets and sells products around the world, he added.
