EU Sues Philip Morris, R.J.R.
Reuters 6nov00
The European Commission said on Monday it had filed a civil lawsuit in a U.S. court against U.S. tobacco giants Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds over their alleged involvement in smuggling cigarettes into the European Union.
"This civil action alleges breaches by these corporations of the U.S. Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organisation act," a statement from EU Budget Commissioner Michaele Schreyer said.
"The Commission seeks compensation for financial losses the EU has suffered and injunctive relief in order to prevent further smuggling," she said.
A Commission spokesman said the action had been filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York where copies of the suit could be obtained.
The Commission said in July it planned to sue a number of U.S. tobacco companies in U.S. courts over alleged smuggling on the grounds that the bloc was losing tax revenues as a result.
