Uber In Trouble With US Probe Over Alleged Bribery

Just when it reportedly got a new CEO, Uber is once again in hot water, this time with the US Department of Justice. The cab-hailing firm is currently being probed over allegations that it bribed foreign officials to give its services grease in their respective countries. This may have been a huge reason for why Uber has grown on a global scale so rapidly.

Uber is now facing a potential investigation for allegedly violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, The Wall Street Journal reports, which prohibits bribery of foreign officials or elements of influence. It’s worth noting that the DOJ is only taking preliminary steps, as of this moment, which may or may not lead to a full blown investigation.

There have been no specifics with regards to which country is involved or if there is more than one country involved in the probe. However, Uber is apparently providing the DOJ with its full cooperation, which should help spur the matter to a swift close.

On that note, there have been reports in the past regarding Uber’s questionable activities in foreign countries. One Reuters report back in June noted Uber’s hiring of a law firm to look into the acquisition of the medical records of a woman who was raped in an Uber can in India, Business Insider points.

In order for the cab-hailing firm to finally get a grip on the mounting of troubles that are piling up, Dara Khosrowshahi, the Expedia boss who was offered the Uber CEO seat will need to step in soon. Of course, now that the company is facing an actual probe by the DOJ, this appointment may even come to question.

One thing is clear, however, and that is the fact that Uber is mired in quite a bit of drama. While the firm is still getting some healthy revenue, there’s no telling what the future might hold if things continue to escalate.