UK: Culture vs Corruption Diary (November 2007)

Welcome to the November 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 is 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.

Adam Hauxwell-Smith, whose companies supplied goods to Ikea, has been jailed for three years after pleading guilty to making corrupt payments to two Ikea staff in order to secure contracts. The two Ikea employees have also been jailed after pleading guilty to corruption and conspiracy charges.
Financial Times, 12 October 2007

Italy's highest court has upheld the acquittal of the former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi on corruption charges.
The Independent, 27 October 2007
SOUTH AMERICA

A Chilean judge has ordered the arrest of the widow and five children of the late dictator Augusto Pinochet as well as several retired military officers from the Pinochet era. The arrests are in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption.
The Independent, 5 October 2007

Judge Radhi Hamza al-Radhi, Iraq's leading anti-corruption official, has applied for political asylum in the US. He was forced out of his job in August after travelling to the US for State Department training.
Sunday Times, 21 October 2007

Thailand's anti-corruption body has begun an investigation into whether Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, bought Manchester City Football Club with legitimate finance.
The Daily Telegraph, 23 October 2007

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the president of the Philippines, has issued an official pardon for former president Joseph Estrada. Mr Estrada is currently serving a life sentence for taking bribes while in office.
Financial Times, 26 October 2007

The leaders of thirty-one Development Finance Institutions have agreed a common set of corporate governance policies. The policies are aimed at tackling corruption and promoting the private sector in emerging economies.
EDFI press release, 19 October 2007

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 Asset Protection & Recovery Network, made up of international legal fraud specialists, and the Financial Fraud Group, for risk and compliance officers.