Thread by @ICIJorg

NEW: The #EricssonList investigation uncovers the telecom giant’s years-long campaign of bribery and fraud in war-torn Iraq, secret dealings in ISIS-controlled areas and a pattern of misconduct on a global scale. 🧵

When ICIJ and 30 media partners began asking Ericsson questions about its operations in Iraq, the company didn’t provide answers but publicly admitted for the first time that it may have paid bribes to ISIS.

Leaked #EricssonList records reveal much more. bit.ly/3hleQiy

The corrupt conduct uncovered in the #EricssonList stems from a 2014 decision to continue operations in Iraq after ISIS fighters brutally took control of parts of the country.

How did the company keep up its lucrative business in Iraq? bit.ly/3hleQiy

THE ‘SPEEDWAY’: Ericsson sought permission from ISIS to work in areas controlled by the terrorist group and paid to smuggle equipment through a dangerous, longer and pricier route through Iraq that avoided high tariffs, government checkpoints and delays. bit.ly/3hleQiy

THE KIDNAPPING: Soon after Ericsson’s decision to press ahead with work in Mosul, a young Iraqi subcontractor was taken hostage by ISIS after company bosses had him deliver a letter to the militant group.

He told us the experience 'destroyed' him. bit.ly/3Iz9yfG

PAYOFFS: Ericsson financed tens of millions in suspicious payments over nearly a decade in Iraq that went toward slush funds, sham contracts, wooing officials with lavish gifts and trips, and kickbacks through middlemen to execs and possibly terrorists. bit.ly/35vlhwX

INTERNATIONAL PROBES: #EricssonList documents also reveal that the company examined possible bribery, money laundering and embezzlement by employees in 14 countries besides Iraq.

These probes have not been previously disclosed. bit.ly/3hleQiy

A PATTERN OF CORRUPTION: The misconduct in Iraq revealed in the #EricssonList coincided with years that the company was under investigation by U.S. authorities, leading to a billion-dollar settlement for bribery and misconduct in 5 other countries. bit.ly/3hleQiy

A STRATEGIC ALLY: The U.S. and other Western nations rely heavily on Ericsson in the global 5g technology race against China-backed telecom giant Huawei.

Ericsson also won lucrative post-Iraq War contracts to supply the country with mobile infrastructure. bit.ly/3vseqPM

‘COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES’: In its deal with the DOJ, Ericsson promised to report wrongdoing and submit to audits and scrutiny from an outside monitor for three years. One employee was charged.

Ericsson remains eligible to bid on U.S. government contracts. bit.ly/3hleQiy

WHAT NOW? Ericsson is now reviewing its Iraq probe, having seen its share price take a big hit.

The firm says @TheJusticeDept accused it in October of violating its plea deal over matters unrelated to Iraq. The DOJ and @SECGov declined to comment to ICIJ. bit.ly/3hl1X8b

ICIJ and our media partners in 22 countries will continue to investigate the #EricssonList, its aftermath and questions that it raises about policing international companies vital to geopolitical interests.

Subscribe to follow along. bit.ly/3bkNEOJ