On July 27, 2010, the SEC published a litigation release announcing that it filed a settled civil action against Ionics, Inc., General Electric Company, and Amersham plc, charging the companies with violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, books and records, and internal controls.

On July 27, 2010, the SEC filed a complaint against and Ionics, Inc., Amersham plc, and General Electric Company. According to the SEC: "This case involves the payment of illegal kickbacks to Iraqi government ministries in connection with sales of humanitarian goods under the United Nations ("UN") Oil for Food Program..."

On July 27, 2010, the SEC announced that it charged General Electric Company ("GE") and two subsidiaries--Ionics Inc. ("Ionics") and Amersham plc ("Amersham")--with violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") for its involvement in a $3.6 million kickback scheme with Iraqi government agencies to win contracts to supply medical equipment and water purification equipment. Without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations, GE as well as Ionics (now GE Ionics Inc.) and Amersham (now GE Healthcare Ltd.) have consented to the entry of a court order permanently enjoining them from future violations of Sections 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. GE is ordered to pay $18,397,949 in disgorgement of profits, $4,080,665 in prejudgment interest, and a penalty of $1 million. According to the SEC, GE cooperated with the investigation.

On July 30, 2010, Federal District Judge Richard W. Roberts entered final judgment against General Electric Company, Ionics, Inc., and Amersham plc.