Federal prosecutors have taken a significant step by charging the voting technology company Smartmatic with money laundering and other offenses related to alleged bribery totaling over $1 million. This bribery scheme reportedly involved payments made by several executives to election officials in the Philippines.
The indictment claims that between 2015 and 2018, Smartmatic executives engaged in these illicit payments to secure a contract from the Philippine government. This contract was crucial for the firm’s role in managing the 2016 presidential election and ensuring that payments for their services were processed promptly. The indictment was filed in federal court in Miami on Thursday.
Previously, three former Smartmatic executives, including co-founder Roger Pinate, faced charges in 2024, but at that time, the company itself was not included as a defendant in the case.
Smartmatic’s CEO, Antonio Mugica, has not yet commented on the latest developments. This legal battle occurs as Smartmatic also navigates a separate $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News, where they allege that the network disseminated false information claiming that Smartmatic played a role in rigging the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding ethical practices within the voting technology industry, underscoring the importance of integrity in electoral processes worldwide. The outcome of both the indictment and the ongoing litigation against Fox News may set significant precedents for the industry.