One of the worlds largest aluminium companies is consulting with lawyers after it was indicted in the US for smuggling into ports around Los Angeles.
Chinas Zhongwang Holdings said it, and controlling shareholder Liu Zhongtian who was named on the indictment, have not been served any notice.
But in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange today the company said it was seeking legal advice.
“The company takes seriously any allegations that it may have violated any law, and is seeking legal advice in relation to the alleged proceeding,” it said.
US prosecutors claim that the company avoided $1.8bn in tariffs by disguising its imported aluminium as a finished product. That would have made it exempt from duties.
The company has in the past said the claims are misleading.
“If the allegations were proven in court, the company could face monetary penalties,” it said today.
The news was first reported on Thursday, sending shares down more than 14 per Read More
