Intel documents seized
Investigators from the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) made an unexpected visit to Intel’s office in Seoul Wednesday to acquire related documents, Yonhap news agency said.
The watchdog also sent investigators to the offices of Intel’s local clients this week, newspapers said.
FTC officials refused to confirm the reports but said their probe began last year after rival firms accused the world’s biggest semiconductor company of using its dominant market leadership in dealings with local computer manufacturers.
"Intel has been probed but we do not make any comment on our action," an FTC investigator said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Intel has been hit by anti-trust cases in the United States, Japan and Europe. US rival Advanced Micro Devices has sued Intel for using improper subsidies.
Japanese regulators found in March 2005 that Intel abused its monopoly power to exclude fair and open competition. The European Commission has also investigated the offices of Intel and clients.
The probe in South Korea has focused on whether Intel offered rebates to local clients or pressured them not to buy components from its rivals.
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