The cover story on the March print issue of Professional Security Magazine was about a possible law change to make corruption by (say) employees abroad could become an offence in this country.
Paul Worth, partner at international law firm Eversheds, comments on reports that businesses taking part in overseas corruption may face prosecution:
“The proposed legislation is highly likely to be pushed through Parliament this year. The perception in Europe is that the UK is off the pace in terms of tackling corruption, and our track record for successful prosecutions is pretty dismal. However, the new laws, combined with a greater focus on bribery and corruption by the Serious Fraud Office will mean companies have to take this issue more seriously. The proposed new offence will mean companies can be guilty if they negligently fail to prevent corruption within their organisation. There will be a defence of having "adequate measures" in place to prevent corruption, but a basic anti-corruption policy in the Staff Handbook is unlikely to cut the mustard.
“The message is clear. Business needs to treat anti-corruption in the same way as it does competition law compliance. Boards need to take ownership of the issue and drive ethical business practice down into the way their staff and agents do business.”
