Airbus to Pay $3.9 Billion to Settle FCPA, Export Control Violations

Airbus agreed to pay more than $3.9 billion in combined penalties for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the Justice Department said. The bribery charges, levied by U.S., French and United Kingdom authorities, stem from Airbus’ scheme to bribe non-governmental airline executives and government officials, including officials in China, to retain aircraft contracts.

Among the ITAR violations were "the failure to maintain records involving ITAR-controlled transactions; and the unauthorized re-export and retransfer of defense articles," according to a State Department news release. A proposed charging letter further details the allegations.