SpaceX is facing another investigation from Congress over alleged illegal purchase and use of its Starlink satellites by Russian forces.
Democrat House Rep. Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin sent a letter to the aerospace company demanding transparency over its potential violations of US sanctions, Washington Post reported.
(Photo : Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images)
Russia has been sanctioned out of US services, including California-based SpaceX, since it launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The representatives cited Ukrainian intelligence officials for the report, claiming that it has mounting evidence that Russian forces used Starlink's services inside occupied Ukrainian territories.
It does not help that SpaceX owner Elon Musk has been noted by his biographer, Walter Isaacson, that "Starlink was not meant to be involved in wars."
Also Read: Elon Musk's SpaceX Fined $3.6K Per Month for 'Near Amputation' of Employee
SpaceX Questioned Over Potential Violations with Contractual Obligations
The probe over SpaceX's involvement with Russia is only the latest botch in its contractual obligations with the US Department of Defense over Starlink.
It can be remembered that SpaceX has been employed by the US government to provide internet services to the country's military operations.
In February, SpaceX was also called out by the House China committee for failing to provide a satellite communication network for US troops stationed in Taiwan.
Elon Musk's Companies Accused of Providing Services to Sanctioned Countries
This is also not the first time a company of Musk was accused of providing sanctioned countries paid services.
Just last week, X (formerly Twitter) was accused by digital watchdog Tech Transparency Project of providing verified checkmarks, a paid subscription service, to Hezbollah leaders.
The Lebanon-based Islamic militant group has been categorized as a "foreign terrorist organization" by the US government for its involvement in the conflicts in the Middle East.
Hezbollah is subjected to Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations and "secondary" Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations.
As of writing, X has yet to be summoned by Congress to explain its side over providing paid services to Hezbollah and Lebanon.
Related Article: Elon Musk's X Accused of Taking Payments from Hezbollah Members
