UK: Culture vs Corruption Diary (September 2007)

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 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 that 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.

IMI, the engineering firm, has disclosed that it is conducting an internal corruption investigation into alleged bribery by some of its sales agents in South-East Asia, East Asia and the Middle East.
Financial Times, 17 August 2007

Conrad Black has filed a formal request to overturn his convictions for fraud and obstruction of justice.
The Guardian, 29 August 2007

Ted Stevens, a Republican Senator, is being investigated for allegedly accepting bribes from an oil company. Mr Stevens denies any wrongdoing.
The Independent, 28 August 2007

A US court has ruled that the FBI illegally seized documents from the office of William Jefferson, a Democratic Congressman. Mr Jefferson is the subject of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption which he is defending.
Financial Times, 4 August 2007

Local police in China have detained eight Carrefour purchasing managers on suspicion of taking bribes from food suppliers.
Financial Times, 28 August 2007

Thailand's Supreme Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, and his wife Pojamarn, following the couple's failure to appear in court to face corruption charges.
Financial Times, 15 August 2007

Ma Ying-jeou, the presidential candidate of Taiwan's leading opposition party, has been acquitted of corruption charges.
Financial Times, 15 August 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.