Investigators Expand Probe into Hewlett-Packard

Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) said that prosecutors investigating charges of bribery in Russia have expanded the probe to other regions.

The Justice Department and SEC are examining if HP engaged in illegal activities related to deals in Russia, Serbia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Bloomberg News reported. The deals date back to 2000.

Investigators are also examining whether HP employees in Russia Germany, Austria, Serbia, the Netherland or the CIS "were involved in kickbacks or other improper payments to channel partners, or state-owned or private entities."

HP said it is cooperating with the investigation.

U.S. authorities are working the German Public Prosecutor's Office on the case. German authorities are investigating whether HP employees engages in bribery, embezzlement and tax evasions related to a 35 million-euro ($47 million) transaction between a former German unit and a government office in Russia.