2011-03-01 06:25:20
Ipad Parts for products like the iPad and iPhone come from suppliers in South Korea, Taiwan and China
A former employee of computer and phone firm Apple has pleaded guilty to multiple criminal charges and admitted he took bribes from Asian suppliers.
Paul Devine is accused of providing confidential information to suppliers so that they could negotiate favourable contracts.
Mr Devine admitted that the loss to Apple from his actions was more than $2m ( 1.2m).
An Apple spokesperson declined to comment on the guilty plea.
Making amends?
Mr Devine worked as a global supply manager for the maker of the popular iPhone from 2005 to 2010.
He was arrested in August after Apple found incriminating emails in which he agreed to be paid for providing inside information.
Mr Devine pleaded guilty in a San Jose federal court on Monday to wire fraud, conspiracy and money laundering.
He also agreed to give up $2.28m in money and property, the US attorney's office announced.
Mr Devine's lawyer said he was a "good man who made a mistake, and now he's trying to make amends".