MTN under investigation by US government for Afghanistan and Iran operations
One of South Africa's largest telecommunications companies, MTN, is being investigated by the US Department of Justice (DoJ)
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One of South Africa's largest telecommunications companies, MTN, is being investigated by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) through a grand jury inquiry related to its former subsidiary in Afghanistan and Iran.
The company revealed this information in its 2025 interim financial results on Monday, saying it had been approached, through its external US counsel, regarding the DoJ investigation into MTN Group.
"MTN has been approached, through its external US counsel, regarding a DoJ grand jury investigation relating to MTN Group, its former subsidiary in Afghanistan and Iran". MTN said.
The company added that it is fully cooperating with the DoJ and voluntarily responding to requests for information.
"MTN is cooperating with the DoJ and voluntarily responding to requests for information. The Company will update the market as appropriate on any material developments in the matter," the company said.
Grand juries determine if there is enough evidence to file formal charges, but do not decide guilt. Depending on the findings, MTN could potentially face a criminal trial in the US.
According to reports, the US Department of Justice is investigating MTN’s former operations in Afghanistan and its stake in Iranian mobile operator Irancell.
The probe reportedly includes allegations that MTN paid protection money to militant groups in Afghanistan and questions around how the company acquired its licence in Iran, which has also sparked legal disputes in South Africa.
MTN is currently involved in a legal dispute with Turkish telecom giant Turkcell. Turkcell alleges that MTN obtained its 49% stake in Iranian mobile operator Irancell through corrupt practices.
Turkcell claims it was unfairly edged out of the deal in 2006, when MTN was awarded the minority shareholder position in the government-controlled Irancell.
This comes amid worsening tensions between South Africa and the US with the Trump administration having recently imposed 30% tariffs on all South African products.
The US government has also accused South Africa of human rights abuses, particularly against the Afrikaner community.
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