The SEC is conducting a broad investigation of companies doing business with countries that support terrorist activities. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether any of the companies’ operations were used to support terrorist activities in Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the SEC’s Enforcement and Corporation Finance Divisions have contacted several pharmaceutical and energy companies. The letters reportedly seek information about the companies’ business dealings and their internal controls that guard against bribery, and are part of an SEC inquiry into possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.