Timothy O'Toole was quoted regarding ZTE's nearly $900 million settlement with the U.S. federal government for violating Iran sanctions. O'Toole said U.S. court documents suggest ZTE's attempts to obstruct the investigation were the main reason for a penalty significantly higher than in similar cases. "What seems really important to U.S. regulators is whether a company or individual after the investigation starts is seen to continue to evade the sanctions and also obstruct the investigation," he said.

Mr. O'Toole's comments were reported by numerous media outlets, including March 8 articles in The New York Times, "China's ZTE Pleads Guilty, Settles U.S. Sanctions Case for Nearly $900 Million," CFO Magazine, "ZTE Fined $900M for Iran Sanctions Busting," and Fortune, "China's ZTE Will Pay Almost $900 Million in US Sanctions Case Over Sales to Iran."