May.28, 2010, 17:32
ROME - Italian prosecutors and Finmeccanica on May 28 denied Italian press reports that the firm was being investigated by prosecutors for running slush funds.
The reports had hit Finmeccanica's share price during Friday trading.
The press reports suggested Finmeccanica may have used the funds for winning contracts, but the Rome prosecutor's office said that the firm was not being probed.
Accounts checked outside Italy by investigators, which were referred to in the press reports, pertained to an investigation into a Rome businessman suspected of money laundering, the prosecutors said.
Leaked wiretaps published by newspapers showed the businessman, Gennaro Mokbel, discussing his contacts with Finmeccanica officials. Press reports on Friday linked Mokbel to a Finmeccanica consultant.
"Finmeccanica categorically declares that it is not involved in the establishment of hidden accounts," the state controlled defense group said on Friday.