Former Foxconn executive detained in bribery investigation

Taiwanese authorities, investigating allegations that Foxconn Technology employees accepted bribes from suppliers, yesterday detained one of the company's former executives.

Three other ex-Foxconn employees, accused of taking bribes, were released on bail, while a middleman was also detained, said Chang Chieh-chin, the head prosecutor at the Taipei District Prosecutor's Office.

Investigators on Tuesday searched 19 locations including residences and offices of suppliers.

The Taipei-based maker of Apple's iPhones and iPads said this week it was co-operating with authorities into breaches of its internal code of conduct by former members of its procurement office.

"This is a matter that we brought to the attention of authorities in both Taiwan and mainland China in September 2012, as we sought their help in pursuing an investigation," Foxconn said. "Our internal investigation found these violations to be limited."

The allegations surfaced after Taiwanese media reported last year a manager at Foxconn, which also assembles products for Apple, had been detained by police in Shenzhen.