LONDON (Alliance News) - GlaxoSmithKline PLC said Monday that it has "zero tolerance for any kind of corruption" in its business, and said it has committed "significant resources" to finding out what happened in China, following reports that a sex tape of top executive Mark Reilly had surfaced amongst bribery investigations in the country.
The video was attached to an email alleging that Glaxo was bribing doctors in China, according to a report in the Sunday Times.
Glaxo has been weathering a significant investigation from Chinese authorities over allegations that Glaxo executives had been involved in payments of up to USD500 million to doctors and hospital executives over the past six years.
In May, Reilly was accused by Chinese police of ordering staff to bribe hospital officials to use its products. At that time Glaxo said it was "deeply concerned" about the allegations against Reilly.
The company said Monday that the "issues relating to our China business are very difficult and complicated."
It reiterated that it is co-operating fully with Chinese authorities on the investigation but "out of respect for the process we cannot comment on it at this time."
"As we have said previously, the allegations that have been raised are deeply concerning to us," the company said in a statement.
Glaxo said it continues to make "fundamental changes" to its business in China.
"We are learning lessons from this situation and we are determined to take all actions necessary as a result," the company said in the statement.
Shares in Glaxo were trading down 0.5% at 1,565.00 pence Monday afternoon.
By Hana Stewart-Smith; hanassmith@alliancenews.com; @hanassallnews
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