Sullivan tells of WorldCom fraud fears

Trial continues

By Tim Richardson • Get more from this author

Posted in IT Director, 11th February 2005 11:49 GMT

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WorldCom called off merger talks with Verizon in 2001 amid fears that its accounting fraud would be uncovered, former CFO Scott Sullivan has testified.

Once again in the witness stand, Sullivan - who has already pleaded guilty to his part in the fraud - said both he and former chief exec Bernie Ebbers were worried the scandal would be unearthed if Verizon was allowed to check its books prior to a deal, reports AP.

Sullivan further testified that he warned Ebbers of the dangers of Verizon examining WorldCom's financial standing.

Ebbers - who is charged with orchestrating the $11bn (£5.8bn) book-fiddling that led to the financial collapse of WorldCom in 2002 - denies any involvement in the fraud. ®

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