Leverkusen, Germany  - Bayer, one of the world's top chemicals companies, confirmed Saturday a news report that nine employees were under investigation for taking kickbacks.

The newspaper Rheinische Post said corrupt purchases had cost Bayer 10 million euros (15.3 million dollars). A German company erecting scaffolding had bribed the employees to accept its overpriced services. Bayer is based at Leverkusen, north of Cologne.

The spokesman said the case had been discovered during an audit and reported last year to prosecutors who raided offices this May. Bayer then suspended eight employees and fired one instantly. (dpa)