A former employee of KBR, Halliburton Co.’s engineering and construction arm that performs much of its government contract work, has been subpoenaed by the Justice Department in an investigation of possible overcharges by the company in Iraq.
In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Monday, Halliburton disclosed word of that subpoena and another seeking information from the company about foreign subsidiaries that do business in Iran. Federal prosecutors are seeking documents from the Houston-based company regarding Iran.
“Halliburton intends to work with the government and assist in any way possible so we can get resolution on this matter,” the company said in a release Monday. “We look forward to answering any and all questions. ... We continue to believe that Halliburton’s business in Iran is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.”
Trade with Iran is restricted by U.S. sanctions, although the company, headed by Vice President Dick Cheney from 1995 to 2000, said it believes it has fully complied with the law.
As for Iraq, a preliminary audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency in December alleged that Halliburton overcharged the government by $61 million on fuel imported into Iraq.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Halliburton’s client, determined that the price was fair, but the Defense Department referred the matter to its inspector general for further investigation.