Briefings
Culture vs Corruption Diary
Banking & Finance
Fraud: Claimant
Fraud: Defendant
Insolvency and Recoveries
|
| July 2008 |
Welcome to the July edition of Mishcon's Culture vs Corruption Diary, the object of this diary is to provide businesses and their advisors with a snapshot of what has been happening in the world of corruption in the last month.
We make no judgement whatsoever as to the morality, legality or appropriateness of the conduct which forms the subject matter of this diary. We simply aim to bring these matters to the attention of those whose responsibility it is to set ethical standards and produce business practice guidelines for the companies they work for, to allow them to make an informed decision on the best practice for their organisation.
United Kingdom
Government
A report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee has criticised the Department for International Development. The report claims that inadequate monitoring of financial aid awarded to foreign governments during 2006-07 left some of the funds open to the risk of corruption.
The Guardian, 24 June 2008
North America
Defence
Officials in the US have issued Alan Garwood, the former head of the Defence Export Service Organisation, with a subpoena. The move is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption and bribery in connection with arms deals between BAE Systems and Saudi Arabia.
The Guardian, 5 June 2008
Western Europe
Government
The Italian cabinet has approved a bill that would give the post of prime minister immunity from prosecution. The bill, which has still to be passed by parliament, includes immunity for four other senior positions. Silvio Berlusconi is currently standing trial with David Mills on charges of alleged corruption.
Financial Times, 28 June 2008
Asia
Government
Zhang Zhi'an, a provincial communist party chief, has been arrested on charges of corruption in connection with illegal land seizures.
Financial Times, 26 June 2008
International Organisations
Reports
A recent report by Transparency International has criticised a number of countries for not ratifying the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and for failing to enforce their own bribery laws.
2008 progress report on the enforcement of the OECD convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, 23 June 2008
Mishcon de Reya
Mishcon's Culture vs Corruption Diary is published by the Fraud & Insolvency Group of Mishcon de Reya Solicitors. Widely recognised as the leader in the field of fraud investigations, the Group has extensive experience in conducting and/or project managing highly sensitive international investigations in respect of bribery and corruption allegations. The Group founded and runs both the Asset Protection & Recovery Network, made up of international legal fraud specialists, and the Financial Fraud Group, for risk and compliance officers.