This isn't the first time a tech giant has come under fire for its tax dealings in Europe. Apple was fined $347-million in Italy, and Google's UK operations were squeezed for $185-million in a deal with the British government. Many large US firms base their European operations in Ireland (including Google), which offers more favourable tax conditions, but that's a situation which might not last much longer. In a statement given to Reuters, the French prosecutors believe the Irish-based European headquarters isn't full-filling its fiscal obligations in the country. For its part, Google gave us this statement: "We comply with French law and are cooperating fully with the authorities to answer their questions."