FTC antitrust investigators search company ’ s Seoul office Google Inc . denied any alleged unfair business practices in Korea , the day after antitrust officials raided its Seoul offices on Tuesday . The Fair Trade Commission stormed Google ’ s office as part of its probe into an allegation that the global tech giant requires smartphone manufacturers to include Google Search or its applications on Android - powered devices . In April , the nation ’ s leading Internet portals Naver and Daum filed a complaint with the state - run antitrust regulator claiming that Google ’ s search engine is installed as a default navigation tool and it is impossible for users to switch to another option . Google , the world ’ s No . 1 search engine , however , denied the allegation even though it promised to cooperate with the investigation of Korean authorities . “ We will work with the KFTC to address any questions they may have about our business , ” a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying by local media . “ Android is an open platform , and carrier and OEM ( original equipment manufacturer ) partners are free to decide which applications and services to include on their Android phones , ” the spokesperson said , asking not to be named . It was the third time that Google has been probed or raided by Korean antitrust authorities regarding its smartphone - related businesses . Google is also currently under investigation by antitrust regulators in the U . S . and Europe . As the investigation came after Google ’ s purchase of Motorola Mobility in August , industry sources expected the worldwide regulatory pressure on the search giant would get more severe . FTC chairman Kim Dong - soo also hinted at an investigation into the surprise takeover . “ The issue would greatly affect the Korean economy , ” he said . “ For now , we are collecting data but has yet to launch an official process as there has been no application made for the approval of the takeover deal , ” Kim said recently . Antitrust laws require companies to report their acquisition of a firm with assets worth 2 trillion won or more to the FTC within the period before acquiring the stocks , but after inking a deal . By Lee Ji - yoon ( jylee @ heraldm . com )