Beirut - November 19, 2016: Commenting on recent media reports, touch stated that matters raised in the report have been subject to an investigation that was started by the company for a number of weeks and is still ongoing and have already led to the dismissal of Mr. Kharouf on 16 November 2016.
Upon receiving a voice recording of a conversation involving Mr. Kharouf with external third parties regarding various future arrangements, touch launched an investigation and immediately suspended Mr. Kharouf and excluded him from any access to the business and affairs of the company pending an investigation. This led to the termination of the employment of Mr. Kharouf on 16 November 2016. Touch confirmed that only one touch employee was involved in the voice recording incident reported in the media
Touch stated that any and all corrupt conduct by anyone in the company, suppliers or third parties are being seriously pursued by the Company and its Management and the company will take all necessary and appropriate measures against individuals and/or companies who may be involved.
Touch has also engaged the services of an external legal firm to assist its investigation and has already informed MOT of action it has taken to date. Touch also understands that the matter is already under investigation by the Financial Prosecutor’s Office and the company will fully and comprehensively co-operate with all enquiries.
Touch has no financial or contractual relationship with the three people mentioned in the said report and their companies and thus no funds were paid to them. The company is also reviewing all RFPs and existing contracts with such suppliers related to this matter to ensure there has not been a breach of existing contractual arrangements.
All the allegations need to be thoroughly investigated to determine the extent of this incident and whether it was an isolated case or the wrongdoings involved misconduct by other employees, suppliers and third parties beyond this one case.
Touch stated that till the investigations are completed, it is inappropriate to offer further comment as it may jeopardize the conclusion of such investigations. Touch elaborated that appropriate care and diligence is required to ensure all relevant facts are identified which will lead to detailed conclusions, including the referral of any relevant information to the Financial Prosecutor’s Office for further action.
Mytouch
