Ericsson said it was questioned by US authorities over corruption allegations, following a report which said there was a probe into the infrastructure giant’s business in China.

“While we strive to at all times conduct our business in compliance with applicable laws, matters do arise from time to time as a result of the global nature of our business,” said a company statement.

The original story was published in Svenska Dagbladet.

Ericsson said it received a voluntary request from US authorities in March 2013 to answer a number of questions relating to its business.

The company declined to provide any further information about the request beyond saying it relates to Ericsson’s anti-corruption programme and includes questions related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Ericsson said it is cooperating with the US authorities. It also stated that it had confirmed it had received such a request to the media back in 2013.

As a listed company, Ericsson said it always discloses any information about events that would have a material impact on the company or its finances. Should such a situation arise, it will release information in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The media report said the SEC and the US Department of Justice are investigating Ericsson over suspected corruption, including its operations in China. Ericsson’s shares are listed on Nasdaq as well as in Stockholm.

In May 2013, Ericsson said the SEC started an inquiry into how it won contracts in the 1990s, including in Romania.

However, the US review covers more recent activities as well as earlier allegations, said the Svenska Dagbladet report. It said a former Ericsson executive in Asia had held an interest in a supplier to Ericsson, in breach of company policy, but that it was unclear whether this formed part of the US probe.