Smartmatic Executives Indicted for Alleged Bribery in Philippines Ahead of 2016 Election

U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Florida has indicted two executives from Smartmatic, a notable voting machine company, for allegedly bribing officials in the Philippines to secure contracts prior to the 2016 elections in the country. The indicted individuals are Smartmatic President Roger Piñate and another executive named Jorge Miguel Vasquez.

Charges of bribery and money laundering

The U.S. Attorney's Office has announced that Piñate and Vasquez are facing charges of bribery and money laundering. These charges stem from the executives' alleged actions of laundering money across multiple countries, including Florida, with the intention of paying approximately $1 million in bribes to a Philippine official. These actions were purportedly undertaken in order to secure contracts related to the 2016 Philippine elections.

In response to the indictment of its executives, Smartmatic released a statement asserting that no voter fraud has been alleged, and that Smartmatic itself has not been indicted. The company emphasized its commitment to conducting elections with the highest standards of integrity and transparency, as these principles are deeply ingrained in its values. Moreover, in a separate announcement, Smartmatic revealed that the implicated executives have been placed on a leave of absence pending the legal proceedings.

Potential legal consequences and ongoing disputes

The legal implications for Piñate and Vasquez could be severe, potentially leading to significant prison sentences if found guilty of money laundering, conspiracy charges, and violations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Given the international nature of the alleged offenses, the case underscores the complexities involved in holding individuals accountable for corrupt practices that cross national boundaries.