This undated photo shows 3M in St. Paul, Minn. (Photo: Marlin Levison, AP)

The 3M company agrees to pay $ 9.1 million to settle the allegations that they knowingly sold defective earplugs to the company. US military without disclosing any defects that could hinder their effectiveness.

3M, who owns a production plant in Greenville, was charged with violating the False Claims Act after a whistleblower initiated a lawsuit. The anonymous warning launcher will receive $ 1.9 million as part of the resolution announced Thursday, according to a press release from the US District Attorney of South Carolina.

More news: Former site of the Greenville Memorial Auditorium sold to the hotelier Clemson for $ 3M

Other news: Greenville County Schools institutes the policy of clear-bag for the next sports season

The rigorous enforcement of the False Claims Act, we protect taxpayers' dollars from waste, fraud and abuse, "said Sherri Lydon, US Attorney for the United States. District of South Carolina. "And in this case in particular, we are proud to defend the integrity of our military programs and to ensure that our men and women in uniform are protected as they serve our country."

Ear plugs were ear plugs, which were too short for proper insertion into users' ears and could loosen imperceptibly, provided by 3M and its predecessor. Aero Technologies, Inc., according to the press release.

"Today's settlement demonstrates our continued vigilance to protect men and women serving in the US military against defective or fraudulent products," said the acting Deputy Attorney General. Chad A. Readler of the Civil Division of the Department. "Government contractors seeking to profit at the expense of our military will suffer the appropriate consequences."

3M did not immediately respond to the calls for comment.

Read or share this story: https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/money/business/2018/07/26/3-m-agrees-pay-9-1-m-over-defective-military -earplugs / 842908002 /