O2 is co-operating with an official investigation into allegations of bribery within the mobile phone industry, according to reports over the weekend.
The Sunday Telegraph said the company has been asked for information as part of a Serious Fraud Office probe into allegations of corruption and payments to customers.
In a recent quarterly statement, the firm, which recently merged with Virgin Media (NASDAQ:VMED), said “O2 has been addressing a request for disclosure made by governmental authorities which is related to possible violations of anti-bribery laws and regulations.
“O2 continues to co-operate with the governmental authorities investigating this matter which is still ongoing.”
According to the report, the inquiry is looking at a period around 2017 when the major mobile networks switched tactics to sell directly to consumers and businesses rather than using third parties.
A spokesman for Virgin Media (NASDAQ:VMED) O2 told the Sunday Telegraph: “We would not comment on these matters,” while the SFO said it could neither confirm nor deny interest.
O2 is the UK's largest mobile network and in May completed a £31bn merger with broadband group Virgin Media.