Walmart has been accused of covering up allegations that its managers in Mexico used widespread bribery to secure its presence in the country and expand market share. Walmart vice-president of corporate communications David Tovar admitted that the retail giant was investigating the allegations but said: “We don’t have a full explanation of what happened.” The admission follows a report by The New York Times, citing an email from September 2005 in which a former executive described how Walmart de México had paid bribes to get opening permits for its stores. Walmart’s lead investigator is reported to have told the company: “There is reasonable suspicion to believe that Mexican and US laws have been violated.” However, the retailer’s leaders are accused of shutting down the investigation without notifying either US or Mexican officials.

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