Mishcon's Culture vs Corruption Diary - January 2010
Welcome to the January 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
Healthcare
Robert Dougall, former Vice President of DePuy International, has been charged with conspiracy to corrupt. The charges relate to alleged payments made to medical professionals working in the Greek public healthcare system. This is the first time a British executive has been prosecuted for corruption overseas.
Serious Fraud Office press release, 1 December 2009
Legislation
The Bribery Bill has had its second reading in the House of Lords.
Houses of Parliament website, 9 December 2009
WESTERN EUROPE
Manufacturing
Six former senior managers at Siemens have agreed to pay a total of £18m to compensate for their role in a bribery scandal involving the award of contracts.
Tony Paterson
The Independent, 3 December 2009
MIDDLE EAST
Government
Abdul Ahad Sahebi, the mayor of Kabul has been sentenced to four years in jail after being found guilty of corruption and embezzling US$16,500 from public funds.
Fazel Reshad
Financial Times, 8 December 2009
ASIA
Government
Witthaya Kaewparadai, the Thai Health Minister, has announced his resignation following allegations that senior officials in his ministry are implicated in corruption.
Tim Johnston,
Financial Times, 30 December 2009
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 Fraud Network, made up of international legal fraud specialists, and the Financial Risk Group, for risk and compliance officers.