HP has been forced to deny that it broke strict export sanctions by selling technology to Syria and Iran, but admitted that its network of channel partners may have done so without its knowledge.
The tech behemoth, which was recently overtaken by Chinese rival Lenovo as the worlds top PC seller, was asked by the US Securities and Exchange Commission last month about reports from 2011 that its equipment was installed by Italian firm Area SpA as part of a nationwide surveillance system.
In a letter dated 9 October and seen byReutersfor the first time last Friday, HP said it didnt authorise the sale of any products to Syria, and that Area SpA had probably obtained the tech from a partner which wasnt aware where theyd end up. HPs contract with the Italian firm ended in April.
The US PC-maker claimed that it halted sales of kit to channel partners with customers in Iran back in 2009, but covered its back by adding that it is always possible that products may be diverted to Iran or Syria after being sold to channel partners, such as distributors and resellers,Reuterssaid.
However, HP said it will continue to work with ZTE, despite anFBI investigationinto media allegations that the Chinese firm sold a 900-page packing list worth of US-made products including HP kit, to Iran.
Cisco, which was also on that list, hasended its relationshipwith the Shenzhen-based telecoms kit maker.
HP apparently said in the letter that it had conducted an investigation into the incident.
The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.
