US prosecutors allege Smartmatic executives bribed officials for lucrative $1M Philippines contract
Federal prosecutors have charged Smartmatic, a voting technology firm, with money laundering and other crimes involving over $1 million in bribes. These payments, made between 2015 and 2018, were allegedly used to secure a lucrative Philippines contract for the 2016 presidential election. A superseding indictment was filed in Miami federal court outlining these accusations.
Allegations Against Smartmatic
The charges assert that Smartmatic executives bribed election officials in the Philippines. These actions aimed to obtain a contract for assisting in the 2016 presidential election. Three former executives, including co-founder Roger Pinate, were implicated in earlier charges filed in 2024.
Details of the Case
- Timeframe: 2015-2018
- Amount: Over $1 million in bribes
- Purpose: Securing a contract and timely payment for election services
Smartmatic CEO Antonio Mugica has not provided comments following these new developments. The indictment adds complexity to the firm’s legal challenges as it pursues a defamation lawsuit against Fox News for allegedly false election rigging claims.
Ongoing Legal Battle
Smartmatic is currently seeking $2.7 billion in damages from Fox News. The lawsuit claims that false accusations broadcast by the network harmed the company’s reputation.
Emegypt will continue to follow this unfolding case closely. Updates will reflect any new developments regarding Smartmatic and its executives.
