The competition to enter foreign markets is tough and time consuming. Some major businesses and top executives have resorted to bribery to obtain business in foreign countries. Bribery is not an ethically acceptable practice and it is also illegal.

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) was established by the U.S. Congress in 1977 to prevent U.S. companies and businesses from bribing foreign officials in exchange for lucrative business contracts. The U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission investigate and pursue FCPA violations.

FCPA violations happen in many different industries, including the banking industry. Several FCPA cases in the banking industry have involved unethical hiring practices in which foreign officials requested the hiring of certain individuals and family members in exchange for business deals. Some banks have even been caught offering bribes to foreign officials in order to secure major government investment deals.

Deutsche Bank Case

Deutsche Bank, a multi-national financial services company, recently agreed to pay more than $130 million to resolve FCPA violations. A government investigation found that from 2009 to 2016, Deutsche Bank paid bribes to foreign officials in order to obtain business deals. Deutsche Bank also concealed and mischaracterized the payments in their books, records, and accounts, which is also a violation of the FCPA.

FCPA Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers are essential in the fight against corruption and bribery. The federal government and the False Claims Act ensure protection for whistleblowers from retaliation for coming forward and reporting FCPA violations. Whistleblowers can receive a monetary award for providing inside information that leads to a successful FCPA prosecution. It is important for whistleblowers to speak to an experienced whistleblower attorney to learn more about their rights and protections.

Contact Baron & Budd

With more than 30 years of experience, the attorneys on Baron & Budd’s whistleblower representation team have represented dozens of clients in government fraud cases returning over $5.4 billion to federal and state agencies, with whistleblower recovery shares as high as 49%. They are ready to help if you have evidence of FCPA violations.

Please call (866) 845-2164 or complete our contact form if you would like more information. For more information, see What You Need to Know About Becoming a Whistleblower. Please understand that contacting us does not mean that you have established an attorney-client relationship with Baron & Budd, P.C.