Adidas investigates allegations of embezzlement, bribery in China

Athletic apparel company Adidas has launched an investigation into allegations of compliance violations in China after receiving an anonymous letter earlier this month accusing local executives of embezzling millions of euros, according to news reports.

Adidas confirmed it had received an anonymous June 7 letter indicating potential compliance violations in China, the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg reported.

The shoe and sportwear maker said it was investigating the matter together with external legal counsel, the news outlets reported.

Chinese state media outlet Jiemian last week reported that an anonymous group of whistleblowers, who called themselves employees of Adidas China, had sent the letter containing the allegations to the company's German headquarters.

The letter, which was published by Jiemian but also widely circulated on social media, accused senior executives and several staff members of embezzlement and receiving bribes from suppliers in the form of cash and real