A federal grand jury in Miami has charged the co-founder of Smartmatic, a voting machine maker that is separately suing Fox News for defamation, with paying $1 million in bribe payments to officials in the Philippines.
The indictment announced Thursday by the Justice Department said Smartmatic President Roger Piñate and two other employees allegedly made illegal payments to a former Philippines elections commissioner in order to get its voting machines and services used in the country’s 2016 election.
The department said the payments were funded by a slush fund the executives created by inflating the cost of the voting machines. The money was allegedly laundered through bank accounts in Asia, Europe and the U.S.
Piñate, a Venezuelan citizen, Smartmatic executive Jorge Vasquez and former executive Elie Moreno are each charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which forbids corporate bribery abroad.
Boca Raton, Fla.-based Smartmatic is currently waging defamation suits against Fox News and its smaller competitor Newsmax. The company said the conservative networks aired false statements about its machines being used to commit voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election, charges that were pushed by former President Trump and his allies.
Smartmatic’s machines were only used in Los Angeles County during the 2020 presidential contest, not in any of the states where Trump said voter fraud was committed.
The firm’s case against Newsmax is scheduled for a Delaware trial in September. The case against Fox News, in which Smartmatic is asking for $2.7 billion in damages, would go to court next year in New York unless it’s settled.
In a statement, Smartmatic said it had placed the two indicted current employees on leaves of absence, effective immediately. The company also noted that the case has nothing to do with voter fraud.
“No voter fraud has been alleged and Smartmatic is not indicted,” the company said. “Voters worldwide must be assured that the elections they participate in are conducted with the utmost integrity and transparency.”
Still, Fox News is likely to cite the Justice Department indictment in defense of its case. Fox News had no comment on the matter. “We look forward to defending our case in court,” a representative said.
As the legal battle between Smartmatic and Fox News unfolds, it sheds light on the complexities of corporate bribery and the importance of upholding integrity in elections. The allegations of bribery in the Philippines highlight the lengths to which some individuals may go to secure business deals, even at the expense of ethical standards.
It is crucial for companies like Smartmatic to maintain transparency and accountability in their operations, especially when it comes to providing technology for democratic processes such as elections. The fact that Smartmatic is taking legal action against media outlets that spread false information about its products demonstrates the company’s commitment to defending its reputation and ensuring fair and accurate reporting.
As the case progresses, the public will be watching closely to see how the legal system handles allegations of corporate wrongdoing and how companies like Smartmatic navigate challenges to their credibility. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the future of voting technology and media accountability.
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In conclusion, the legal troubles facing Smartmatic and the allegations of bribery underscore the importance of ethical business practices and transparency in elections. By holding companies accountable for their actions and defending against misinformation, we can ensure that the democratic process remains fair and free from corruption.
As the legal battle between Smartmatic and Fox News continues, it serves as a reminder of the impact that false information and corporate misconduct can have on public trust. It is essential for companies to uphold ethical standards and for the media to report accurately and responsibly to maintain the integrity of our democratic institutions.
Ultimately, the outcome of this case will shape the future landscape of voting technology and media accountability. It is up to us, as informed citizens, to demand integrity and transparency in our elections and hold both companies and media outlets to the highest ethical standards.
