Deutsche Telekom accused of spying on business journalists

Matt Moore of BusinessWeek writes that Deutsche Telekom is investigating allegations that it spied on business journalists and some of its board members.

Moore writes, “Der Spiegel, citing unidentified people familiar with the case, said an anonymous document had been faxed to Deutsche Telekom in Bonn claiming that company officials had monitored the phone calls of business journalists, board members and even shareholders.

“In a statement, Deutsche Telekom said Monday it had found what it called indications of ‘illegal and improper use’ of phone calls made to and from both landlines and cell phones in 2005 and 2006.

“Obermann said the company had asked a Cologne-based law firm to conduct an investigation of the claims and would pursue criminal charges if appropriate.

“‘I am deeply shocked by the allegations. We take the process very seriously,’ he said.

Read more here.