Samsung, Infineon, Micron could face criminal charges

AN INVESTIGATION INTO major memory makers may result in criminal charges being brought against some big names in the industry, including Micron, Infineon and Samsung.

The Wall St Journal said that it appears an anti-trust investigation is nearing completion, with government prosecutors like to face criminal charges of engaging in cartel activities.

The charges are that major memory firms conspired to fix prices on memory chips between late 2001 and June 2002. During that period, it's alleged that there was a steep spike in prices for memory, following a previous slump in prices for 18 months or so.

According to the Journal, there's evidence that the major memory companies regularly met and talked to each other about prices.

It's possible that the memory firms may bite the bullet, accept their liability and pay what could be massive fines. µ

L'INQ
Wall St Journal Subscription required