SHENZHEN -- Chinese authorities are investigating Foxconn Technology Group for possible bribe-taking, the EMS company acknowledged today.

The world's largest EMS/ODM issued a statement to various media that at least one employee and certain suppliers were under investigation, and that a former Foxconn executive was arrested here in September on allegations of accepting bribes.

The supplier in question has not been disclosed. However, Next Magazine, a Taipei publication, reported last week that the investigation centers on purchases of surface-mount technology equipment and components reportedly worth tens of billion yuan last year. There are few suppliers capable of providing such volumes, and Chinese authorities have reportedly spoken with Samsung, Sony and Panasonic. None of the companies is commenting on the reports.