IMPORTANT: This briefing note is only intended as a general statement of the law and no action should be taken in reliance on it without specific legal advice. Release Date: 24 November 2009

Briefings

Welcome to the November 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. 

Real Estate

Hashim al-Dabal, head of Dubai Properties, has been arrested in Dubai in connection with alleged embezzlement of company funds worth approximately £33m.
Richard Spencer
Daily Telegraph, 31 October 2009

NORTH AFRICA

Government

Aaron Ringera, the head of Kenya's anti-corruption commission has resigned after the country's parliament rejected his reappointment.
Xan Rice
The Guardian, 1 October 2009

SOUTH AFRICA

Government

Jackie Selebi, the former National Police Commissioner of South Africa, has gone on trial charged with corruption.  Mr Smith is alleged to have accepted bribes from a drug smuggler.  Mr Smith denies any wrongdoing.
David Smith
The Guardian, 6 October 2009

EUROPE

Government

Jacques Chirac has become the first former head of state in France to be ordered to stand trial.  Mr Chirac has been charged with abuse of public funds and breach of trust during his time as mayor of Paris.  Mr Chirac denies any wrongdoing.
Peggy Hollinger
Financial Times, 31 October 2009Italy's Constitutional Court has annulled legislation that granted the Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, immunity from prosecution.  Mr Berlusconi now faces the re-opening of an investigation into alleged corruption, which was put on hold following the introduction of the legislation.
Nick Squires
Daily Telegraph, 8 October 2009More than sixty people, including businessmen and politicians, are subject to an investigation into alleged corruption in Spain.  The investigation is connected to the award of contracts by regional governments controlled by the opposition party.
Victor Mallet
Financial Times, 8 October 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.