Mishcon's Culture vs Corruption Diary - September 2009
Welcome to the September 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.
EUROPE
Manufacturing
Former members of Siemens management board are expected to settle claims for damages with their ex-employer. The company claimed that the former employees failed to stop alleged "illegal business practices and extensive bribery".
James Wilson
Financial Times, 29 August 2009
MIDDLE EAST
Government
Ehud Olmert, the former Israeli Prime Minister, has been indicted on charges of corruption. The charges relate to several different investigations into alleged bribery and financial irregularities that took place between 1993 and 2003, when Mr Olmert was Mayor of Jerusalem. Mr Olmert denies any wrongdoing.
Vita Bekker
Financial Times, 31 August 2009
Israeli police have recommended charging Avigdor Lieberman, the Foreign Minister, with several counts of corruption. The move is in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering and obstruction of justice. The investigation goes back over nine years. Mr Lieberman denies any wrongdoing.
Rory McCarthy
The Guardian, 3 August 2009
AFRICA
Government
Frederick Chiluba, the former President of Zambia, has been cleared of embezzling US$500,000 over his ten-year presidency. A judge ruled that the funds could not be traced to government money.
David Smith
The Guardian, 18 August 2009
CARRIBEAN
Government
Britain has suspended the local government of the Turks and Caicos Islands following allegations of corruption. The move came after a legal challenge by Michael Misick, the former Turks and Caicos Islands Premier, failed in the Court of Appeal.
Jim Pickard
Financial Times, 17 August 2009
ASIA
Film and Entertainment
Gerald and Patricia Green, an American film producer and his wife, have been charged under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for allegedly paying bribes to Thai tourism officials to secure contracts to run an international film festival in Bangkok.
Matthew Garrahan
Financial Times, 10 August 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.