Lucent accused of bribing Saudi government minister

Lucent and a Swiss company are accused of doling out over $15 million to the Minister of Post Telephones and Telegraphs, Ali Al-Johani between 1995 and 2002, according to the action, brought by the National Group for Communications and Computers.

Lucent denies the accusations and said it will fight the law suit. The other firm accused of bribery, ACEC SA, is under investigation by Swiss police.

Not only did Lucent give Al-Johani money, it's alleged, other graft included payments to him and his family, coverage of medical expenses, the use of a jet, and other inducements.

National Group had a contract with Lucent which it claims was worth over $60 million and was terminated as a result of the alleged bribery.

The National Group was taken over in 1999 and is now called Silki La Silki. µ