Mishcon's Culture vs Corruption Diary - October 2011
Welcome to the October edition of Mishcon's Culture vs Corruption Diary. Its aim 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 judgment whatsoever as to the morality, legality or appropriateness of the conduct which forms the subject matter of this bulletin. We simply aim to bring these matters to the attention of those involved in the prevention, detection and investigation of fraud.
UNITED KINGDOM
Companies
The Serious Fraud Office has charged Cumbrian businessman, Bill Lowther, as part of a growing bribery investigation into alleged corrupt conduct by banknote printing firm Securency over suspected multi-million-pound payments spanning a decade.
Rob Evans, John Burn-Murdoch and Paul Lewis
Guardian, 16 September 2011
WESTERN EUROPE
Government
A former adviser to former French president Jacques Chirac and former prime minister Dominique de Villepin has accused them of receiving secret cash payments from African leaders to finance election campaigns. Both have denied the allegations.
James Boxell
Financial Times, 12 September 2011
NORTH AMERICA
Information Technology
United States authorities are investigating allegations that executives working for software group Oracle paid African officials in violation of anti-bribery laws.
Dominic Rushe
Guardian, 1 September 2011
ASIA
Financial services
Seoul has suspended sixteen of its 105 savings banks amidst a scandal which hinges on the involvement of regulators who are under investigation for turning a blind eye to problems at savings banks in return for bribes.
Christian Oliver
Financial Times, 24 September 2011
Mishcon de Reya
Mishcon's Culture vs Corruption Diary is published by the Dispute Resolution Department of Mishcon de Reya. Widely recognised as the leader in the field of fraud investigations, the Department has extensive experience in conducting and/or project managing highly sensitive international investigations in respect of bribery and corruption allegations. The Department founded and runs both the Fraud Network, made up of international legal fraud specialists, and the Financial Risk Group, for risk and compliance officers.