BERLIN (AP) -- Munich prosecutors opened a corruption and bribery investigation against MAN AG on Tuesday and searched the truck maker's offices across Germany.
Lead prosecutor Manfred Noetzel said the company is suspected of paying millions in bribes in exchange for deals to sell and lease its trucks and buses.
"A system for procuring sales of trucks and buses existed in the country," Noetzel said.
He said there is evidence that foreign officials and companies also received payments in return for business.
The searches led by Munich state prosecutors included three private residences, Noetzel said.
Munich-based MAN acknowledged the investigation in a statement, saying prosecutors allege that between 2002 and 2005 MAN is suspected of paying bribes worth euro1 million ($1.33 million) in Germany and millions more abroad.
"MAN AG has assured the public prosecution office of its full support to clear up the allegations and will cooperate closely with the investigating authorities," the statement said.
The company added that its policies specifically prohibit the payment of bribes to procure business.
"The MAN Group's Code of Conduct includes a binding provision for all employees that forbids MAN Group employees from conferring benefits of any kind with the aim of obtaining orders or unfair advantages for MAN or other persons," the statement said.
