On September 29, 2010, the SEC filed a complaint against ABB Ltd. for violations of the anti-bribery, books and records, and internal controls provisions of the federal securities laws. The SEC alleged that from 1999 to 2004, ABB paid bribes to government officials in Mexico through a U.S. subsidiary and paid kickbacks to Iraq. The SEC alleged that ABB violated Sections 13(b)(2)(A), 13(b)(2)(B), and 30A of the Exchange Act.

On September 29, 2010, the SEC announced that it charged ABB Ltd ("ABB") with violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") for using subsidiaries to pay bribes to Mexican officials to obtain business with government-owned power companies, and to pay kickbacks to Iraq to obtain contracts under the U.N. Oil for Food Program. According to the SEC's complaint filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., ABB's subsidiaries made at least $2.7 million in illicit payments in these schemes to obtain contracts that generated more than $100 million in revenues for ABB, a Swiss corporation that provides power and automation products and services worldwide. Without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations, the company has agreed to settle the charges. ABB consented to the entry of a final judgment that permanently enjoins the company from future violations of the federal securities laws, orders the company to pay $17,141,474 in disgorgement, $5,662,788 in prejudgment interest, and a $16,510,000 penalty. The order also requires the company to comply with certain undertakings regarding its FCPA compliance program. In related criminal proceedings, ABB has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in which ABB will pay $19 million in criminal penalties.

On October 12, 2010, Federal District Judge Paul L. Friedman entered final judgment against ABB Ltd pursuant to the consent of ABB Ltd.