Johnson Controls

Also known as: Johnson Controls, Inc., Johnson Controls International

Updated on 14 November 2026

Building technology group (HVAC, security, fire protection) based in Milwaukee.

Johnson Controls is a building technology group (heating, air conditioning, security and fire protection). In 2016 it paid more than $14 million to resolve an SEC case over improper payments by a Chinese subsidiary. In November 2026 the group and two of its subsidiaries agreed to pay $5 million to settle allegations that they failed to meet cybersecurity requirements in federal contracts, without any admission of liability.

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2Documented controversies

5Sources

0Formal charges · all time

0Convictions

§ Legal statuses reflect the documented sources as of the date shown; they replace neither court decisions nor the presumption of innocence. Counts are not a rating. Methodology

I. Documented controversies

January 2018–November 2026

2026: $5 million settlement over cybersecurity failings in federal contracts

Civil / administrative proceedings

On 13 November 2026 the US Department of Justice announced a $5 million global settlement with Johnson Controls, Inc. and two subsidiaries, Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP and Johnson Controls Security Solutions LLC. The authorities alleged that they had failed to implement cybersecurity controls and documentation required by federal contracts, including for NASA and the Defense Department. The settlement resolves these False Claims Act allegations without any admission of liability.

State of the evidence: Confirmed settlement; alleged failures have not been judicially established.
Legal status — source text: False Claims Act settlement; no criminal conviction.
Attribution: Alleged noncompliance with federal contract cybersecurity duties by Johnson Controls, Inc..

Sources · 3

[1]
U.S. Department of JusticeHVAC Supplier Johnson Controls Inc. and Two Subsidiaries Agree to Pay $5 Million to Settle Cybersecurity Fraud Allegations13 November 2026Official documentHigh reliability
[2]
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of GeorgiaJohnson Controls, Inc. and Two Subsidiaries Agree to Pay $5 Million to Settle Federal Fraud Allegations13 November 2026Official documentHigh reliability
[3]
U.S. Department of JusticeJCI Settlement Agreement13 November 2026Official documentHigh reliability

Last verified: 14 November 2026

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2007–July 2016

2016: SEC settlement over improper payments by a Chinese subsidiary

Civil / administrative proceedings

The SEC alleged deficient books, records and internal controls after payments by a Chinese subsidiary to persons linked to state-owned shipyards. Johnson Controls agreed to pay over $14 million and comply with reporting obligations. Its annual report says DOJ closed its criminal inquiry.

State of the evidence: SEC action and the company’s annual report substantiate the resolution.
Legal status — source text: SEC civil settlement; DOJ inquiry closed.
Attribution: Alleged accounting-control failings involving the Chinese subsidiary.

Sources · 2

[1]
U.S. Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC Enforcement Actions: FCPA CasesOfficial documentHigh reliability
[2]
Johnson Controls / SEC EDGARJohnson Controls, Inc. Form 10-K16 November 2016Company documentHigh reliability

Last verified: 14 November 2026

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II. Constellation of documented links

No documented link with another published profile for now.

Two profiles are linked when a documented controversy of one names the other. The link points to that controversy and its sources; it does not indicate a personal relationship.

III. Has something changed?

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Controversia profile, updated 14 November 2026. Latest version: https://controversia.info/en/fiche/johnson-controls