Friday, November 16, 2012

DOJ & SEC publish guide to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have finally published what has been touted by many as "a much-anticipated memo that clarifies the scope of enforcement of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act".  This 120 page document is an attempt to finally provide a thorough and comprehensive explanation of how and why the government enforces this Act.

For a more basic overview of the FCPA, click here and for information regarding the history of the Act and its various amendments, see a Congressional Research Report updated this year on the topic.

This announcement is particularly timely given the recent news coverage concerning Walmart's potential violations of this Act at its operations in Brazil, India and China, not to mention ongoing investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC regarding Walmart and bribery allegations in Mexico. 

Hat tip to the BLT: Blog of Legal Times for bringing this to our attention.

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