Mishcon's Culture vs Corruption Diary - October 2012
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
Legislation
The Serious Fraud Office is reappraising its approach to dealing with corporate hospitality, facilitation payments and self-reporting under anti-bribery powers it was granted last year and guidance on its website has been withdrawn.
Jonathan Russell
Sunday Telegraph, 30 September 2012
Companies
According to data obtained from UK Trade & Investment, Government officials have intervened on behalf of six UK companies operating in Gulf States and the former Soviet Union which felt disadvantaged by local corruption while being bound by the UK's anti-graft laws.
Caroline Binham
Financial Times, 17 September 2012
WESTERN EUROPE
Government
Italy's Justice Minister has warned that corruption is hampering the country's economic growth and that Mario Monti's government will push hard in parliament for a tough anti-corruption law in order to boost GDP and encourage investors.
Independent, 10 September 2012
EASTERN EUROPE
Government
Russia is drafting new legislation which would outlaw the use of non-pecuniary bribes by broadening the definition of bribery to include perks and services that have no quantifiable monetary value, such as nepotistic job promotions.
Isabel Gorst
Financial Times, 7 September 2012
SOUTH AMERICA
Government
Businessmen and several senior members of the former Brazilian government, including José Dirceu former chief of staff, are suspects in a corruption scandal involving allegations of vote-buying in Congress during 2003 and 2004. Mr Dirceu denies the allegations.
Joe Leahy
Financial Times, 28 September 2012
ASIA
Government
Former Chongqing mayor Bo Xilai has been expelled from the Chinese Communist party and now faces prosecution over accusations of taking large bribes and abusing his power.
Sunday Times, 30 September 2012
Energy
Four Indonesian employees of Chevron, the US oil and gas group, have been arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption at an environmental remediation project in Sumatra.
Ben Bland
Financial Times, 28 September 2012
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.