With the UK Bribery Act becoming effective in less than 24 hours, companies are holding their breath. Will the SFO seek to make a splash by arresting individuals with perp walks on camera? Or will the SFO quietly but methodically build its caseload, and assert is enforcement position as a major player in the anti-corruption area? Part of the problem in answering these basic questions...
The longest pre-game show in history is drawing to a close. The new world will shortly be upon us. Will the UK Bribery Act be a game-changer or will it fizzle out like Y2K? Everyone has their predictions; everyone has their focus and emphasis. The critical issue in my view is prosecutorial discretion. Criminal laws can be interpreted, stretched and designed to fit to a...
As companies prepare for the upcoming effective date of the UK Bribery Act, a new shot was heard around the world — Canada has now entered into the global anti-corruption world with an enforcement action of its own. Canada has been the subject of international criticism for failing to enforce its Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA) since its enactment in 1991. The CFPOA...
We all tend to become focused on the details of anti-corruption enforcement and compliance. But for Board members and senior management, the focus has to be more holistic – some people like fancy terms such as “risk governance,” but common sense defines it as a “holistic” approach to compliance. We all know the risks and the impact that enforcement actions can have on a company...
Even bloggers need a break once in a while. My wife and I are in Sicily in her native city of Marsala. Turquoise waters, delicious cuisines and magnificent sites. Of course, we have visited her 100+ relatives and are attending a beautiful wedding tomorrow. The Italian economy has been hit hard by the war in Libya, reducing trade and international access to markets. Unfortunately, the media does not cover...
One of the most popular blog entries I have written in my young blogging career was about the future of Chief Compliance Officers which was entitled “Chief Compliance Officers: The Evolving Picture.” (A link is HERE.) I received a number of comments about the entry and I wanted to take a fresh look at some of the issues. I am continuing to work with companies dedicated...
Tony Alexis and I conducted a webcast for the Washington Legal Foundation concerning FCPA settlements and compliance. A link to the webcast is HERE. You will need to use an Internet Explorer web browser. I hope you have a chance to watch it. Thanks
DOJ’s Voluntary Disclosure Process For those who are tired of hearing me complain about the Justice Department’s voluntary disclosure process and the FCPA, I can understand if you want to change the TV channel and watch Tom Fox or Dick Cassin or Professor Koehler. With all of the complaints circling DOJ and its enforcement of the FCPA, one of my pet peeves continues...
I wanted to return to the FCPA criminal trial and address more trial tactics. Let’s start with jury selection. There is no doubt that the government has been successful in FCPA criminal trials, although frequently the charges are brought with other criminal charges, thereby increasing the chance for victory on some counts, which is all that really matters. As a former federal prosecutor in the...
The recent House Judiciary hearing on FCPA oversight focused on a proposal to enact an “adequate procedures” defense for corporate liability under the FCPA. How such a defense would work reminds me of the old adage – “the devil is in the details.” Many commentators have pointed to the UK Bribery Act defense of “adequate procedures” and the guidance that has followed. The Ministry of...
