Novartis

As a cross-party parliamentary committee prepares to investigate instances of corruption in Greece's health sector, Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis said that a scandal embroiling the Swiss pharmaceutical firm Novartis and thousands of Greek doctors and health professionals, "surpasses" the notorious Siemens cash-for-contracts affair.

Supreme Court president Vassiliki Thanou on Tuesday ordered an investigation into claims made last week by chief corruption prosecutor Eleni Raikou when she resigned from her post, citing pressure from "unofficial centers of power."

Supreme Court President Vassiliki Thanou on Tuesday ordered an investigation into claims made last week by chief corruption prosecutor Eleni Raikou when she resigned from her post.

The union representing Greece's judges and prosecutors on Monday issued a statement, expressing concern about what is described as a virtually daily phenomenon of attempts to undermine their work.

Representatives of the US Justice Department are expected in Athens this week to be briefed on the progress of an investigation into alleged corruption by the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis, Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis revealed over the weekend.

Justice Minister Dimitris Kontonis on Tuesday called for an investigation into alleged corruption by Novartis to be speeded up following the suicide attempt in Athens of an executive of the Swiss pharmaceutical giant.

The unnamed manager tried to jump off the balcony of the roof bar of the Hilton Hotel on New Year's Day, but was thwarted by police called in by staff.

An investigation took place earlier today in the offices of Novartis in Greece for documents and relevant evidence regarding the accusations of bribery and money laundering.

In the first day of year, a 44-year-old man was threatening that he would jump from the 13th floor of the Hilton in Athens. It was Sunday around 17:00’ and according to him, he was a high rank executive of Novartis.

Finally, it was the police negotiator that talked him into rethinking it. The 44-year-old’s wife and mother were also there present.

Turkey's Health Ministry has said it launched an investigation into allegations a drug-maker, which it did not name, secured $85 million in business advantages through bribery.

Reuters reported this week an anonymous whistleblower accused Swiss company Novartis of paying bribes through a consulting firm to secure advantages worth an estimated $85 million.

An anonymous whistleblower has accused Swiss drug maker Novartis of paying bribes in Turkey through a consulting firm to secure business advantages worth an estimated $85 million, according to a Feb. 17 e-mail seen by Reuters.