Bribery and corruption

The Bribery Act 2010 governs individuals and organisations accused of corruption. It prohibits the giving and receiving of bribes in the public and private sectors and criminalises the failure of organisations to prevent bribery, unless they can otherwise show they have adequate preventative procedures in place.

Individuals convicted of corruption offences face unlimited fines and up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Organisations face unlimited fines and debarment from public procurement processes. Both will inevitably face significant reputational damage if investigations carried out by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), National Crime Agency (NCA), Financial Conduct Authority (FAC), or an overseas agency. 

At SMW we can expertly advise individuals or organisations facing bribery and corruption investigations. Our extensive experience in acting in extradition proceedings means that we are particularly skilled in assisting in multi-jurisdictional and overseas corruption investigations.

We can advise in relation to self-reporting procedures and preventative measures, and in respect to negotiated outcomes as an alternative to prosecution, such as Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs).

Above all else, at SMW we appreciate the commercial reality that those facing the investigations of this nature require expeditious, comprehensive but assured legal advice from the outset.

Contact David Sonn or David Bloom.