Chip makers could face criminal charges

NEW YORK: Prosecutors could be close to seeking criminal price-fixing charges against some computer memory-chip makers in a long-running anti-trust case, according to a story in the Wall Street Journal.

Citing newly disclosed e-mails and testimony from industry executives and activity at a federal grand jury in San Francisco, the story said the investigation against chip companies may be near its end.

While prosecutors are expected to seek criminal price-fixing charges, some of the chip makers are considering entering plea deals and risking heavy fines, the story said, citing lawyers close to the case.

Companies under investigation include Korea's Samsung Electronics, United-States based Micron Technology Inc. and Germany's Infineon Technologies AG, according to the story. Samsung declined to comment as did Korea's Hynix Semiconductor Inc., which confirmed it was under investigation.

"We are under investigation and can't comment on media reports while (the) investigation is underway," Hynix spokesman Bang Min-ho said.

Micron and Infineon were not available to comment.

(Additional Reporting by Kim Mi-Young)

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