A SUPPLIER of Apple products here is suspected of giving kickbacks to an employee of California-based Apple Inc., in order to gain information vital for the success of future contracts.
According to the United States federal grand jury indictment, Singapore resident Mr Andrew Ang served as middleman for Mr Paul Shin Devine of Apple and Jin Li Mould Manufacturing, offering money in exchange for information that could prove useful in negotiating contracts with Apple.
Singapore-based Jin Li builds moulds for consumer electronics, such as accessories for Apple's iPod portable music player.
Mr Ang, who is a former employee of Jin Li, also had a deal with Mr Devine to share the US$1 million (S$1.4 million) total received in kickbacks.
Apart from Jin Li, Mr Ang is also suspected of connecting Mr Devine with other suppliers to be part of the scheme.
From the federal indictment and another civil suit by Apple, Mr Devine is now being charged for wire fraud, money laundering, unlawful monetary transactions and violating racketeering laws.
-- ST