The agency's findings, which BHP neither admits to nor denies, conclude a two-year anti-bribery investigation.
The SEC found that BHP, a sponsor of the games, invited 176 government officials and employees of state-owned companies to attend at its own expense. The company ended up paying for 60 guests, as well as some spouses and other attendees.
The guests, hailing from countries in Africa and Asia, “enjoyed three- and four-day hospitality packages that included event tickets, luxury hotel accommodations, and sightseeing excursions valued at $12,000 to $16,000 per package” while they were in a position to help BHP with its business or regulatory matters, according to the SEC.
While
