MTN: It is cooperating with US Department of Justice probe

MTN: It is cooperating with US Department of Justice probe

Africa’s largest telecommunications group, MTN, has announced it is voluntarily cooperating with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) over its operations in Afghanistan and Iran. The probe, which could potentially lead to an indictment and charges against the company, is related to MTN’s involvement in a 2022 lawsuit by American military service members and civilians who allege that MTN, through its affiliation with Irancell, supported anti-American militias in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2005 and 2010 [1].

MTN, which has nearly 300 million subscribers, operated a subsidiary in Afghanistan from 2007 until April 2025, when it completed a $56 million sale of the unit. The company still owns a 49% stake in Iran’s state-run Irancell. The DOJ investigation follows a lawsuit that was filed by American military service members and civilians who allege that MTN’s operations in Afghanistan and Iran were used to support anti-American militias [1].

In addition to the DOJ probe, MTN has also announced changes to its leadership. Group Chief Risk Officer Ferdi Moolman has been appointed as CEO for MTN South Africa, while MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola will take on an additional role as vice president for Francophone Africa. These changes come as the company seeks to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing probe and its potential legal implications [1].

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/south-africa-mtn-faces-us-132918137.html