China's State Secrecy Bureau that is directly administered by the State Council has accused Rio Tinto of committing industrial espionage against China for six years and causing the country significant economic losses, it has turned out by August 10.
The accusation has it that a large amount of data and intelligence on Chinese steel sector was found on the computers in Rio Tinto's Shanghai office and huge damage to the economic interests and security of the country are evident. According to Chinese media reports, Rio Tinto bribed officials at 16 major Chinese steelmakers during iron ore talks, and the espionage cost China's steel sector RMB 700 billion (US$102 billion).
On July 17, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Sam Walsh said that Rio Tinto's employees detained by China acted at all times with integrity and in accordance with Rio Tinto's strict and publicly stated code of ethical behavior. |
