Bribery and Corruption Investigation Solicitors
If you or your business are under investigation, have been arrested, invited for a voluntary interview, charged or face proceedings for any allegations relating to bribery and / or corruption, our specialist team at JMW can provide the expert advice, assistance and representation that you need.
We have successfully defended and advised individuals, business owners, directors, senior politicians and other high-level individuals in alleged bribery and corruption investigations and also internal investigations. Our extensive knowledge of this area of the law has helped us build a track record of success.
We can also provide compliance advice and training to ensure that businesses and their employees or agents operate in accordance with the Bribery Act 2010. This can help ensure that your company is compliant and has put in place safeguards to prevent potential breaches.
Our specialist and dedicated team are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. For more information about our specialist legal services, either call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will give you a call back as soon as possible.
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How JMW Can Help
As the sentences for bribery and/or corruption crimes can be severe - those found guilty are at risk of prison sentences of up to a decade, as well as hefty fines - you need to find the right legal team as quickly as possible.
At JMW, our specialist team of bribery and corruption solicitors is at the ready to provide you with tactical advice and practical steps to help you challenge any investigation. We know that an allegation of bribery or corruption can put your reputation on the line, and so we are proactive and act fast to secure a successful outcome.
With any corruption or bribery investigation or proceedings, it is vital that you seek legal help as soon as possible. Whether it is brought by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), National Crime Agency (NCA) or an overseas agency, our dedicated team can assist with:
- Attending and responding to dawn raids;
- Production, restraint and freezing orders;
- Preparation and attending for interviews under caution;
- Preparing representations, negotiating on your behalf or taking legal challenges pre-charge;
- Representation during all criminal proceedings;
- Building and preparing a successful defence case;
- Securing the best possible outcome.
The types of bribery and corruption charges that we can assist you with include:
- Extortion (when someone demands cash payment or other assets and threatens harm if these demands are not met)
- Bribes or Kickbacks (when a reward is given to secure business)
- Corporate espionage (theft of trade secrets and intellectual property)
- Illegal gratuities (giving or receiving payback after a business transaction)
Renowned for our professionalism and our commitment to working as efficiently as possible at all times, we will guide you through the process from start to finish, delivering our expertise every step of the way. Our corporate compliance solicitors can also help you to audit a company's anti-bribery and corruption policies to minimise any risk of financial crime.
The UK Bribery Act: A Guide For Companies
The UK Bribery Act came into effect on 1 July 2011, requiring companies to make a change in the way that they operate. The act is wide-ranging, covering issues such as public and private corruption and not allowing for facilitation payments.
It also introduced a new strict liability offence concerning the failure of a commercial organisation to prevent bribery, which continues to have significant implications for UK companies. The act requires businesses to have adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery. If someone is convicted of an act of bribery that benefits a business, and the business has not successfully implemented anti-bribery mechanisms, it could be charged with an offence.
To find out more about the act, and how it could affect your business, visit our Bribery Act guide for companies here.
FAQs About Bribery and Corruption Investigations
- What are the offences under the Bribery Act 2010?
Since it was introduced by the UK government in 2011, the Bribery Act 2010 has been the principal legislation governing bribery and corruption offences in England and Wales. It applies to individuals and businesses and outlines three main offences designed to punish and prevent corruption, plus a corporate offence:
Offering, promising, or giving a bribe (Section 1)
This offence applies when a person offers, promises, or gives a financial or other advantage to another person to induce them to perform a relevant function or activity improperly, or to reward them for having done so. Under the law, relevant functions include any actions of a public nature and those connected with business, performed on behalf of a business (or other body), or undertaken by someone in the course their employment. This applies provided these actions are expected to be performed impartially and in good faith, and by those who are in a position of trust. These can be public officials, private individuals, or entities. The offence extends to indirect actions, such as those conducted by or through a third party.
Requesting, accepting or agreeing to receive bribes (Section 2)
This offence occurs when a person requests, agrees to receive, or accepts a financial or other advantage with the intention of performing a relevant function or activity improperly, or as a reward for having performed such a function or activity improperly. This offence is also committed if the acceptance of the bribe itself constitutes improper performance of a person's duties. The bribe need not have been delivered in order for this offence to be committed. Alongside section 1, this means that both parties to a bribe can face prosecution - one party for issuing or offering corrupt payments and the other for agreeing to or receiving them.
Bribery of a foreign public official (Section 6)
This offence targets the bribery of foreign public officials. It occurs when a person offers, promises, or gives a financial or other advantage to a foreign public official - either directly or through a third party - with the intention of influencing that person in their capacity as a public official to obtain or retain business or a business advantage. It is not necessary for authorities to prove improper performance under this offence, provided the intention to influence is clear.
Failure of commercial organisations to prevent bribery (Section 7)
This offence applies to commercial organisations that fail to prevent bribery committed on their behalf by an associated person (e.g., employees, agents, or subsidiaries). The organisation can defend itself by proving it had "adequate procedures" in place to prevent bribery, and it is advisable to consult a solicitor to advise you as to compliance. Even if you do not believe you are at risk of being prosecuted, the penalties for a bribery conviction can be serious.
In fact, individuals can face a prison sentence of up to ten years, an unlimited fine, or both. Corporations and other entities can also face unlimited fine, alongside reputational damage and, in serious cases, restrictions on certain operations or activities.
Why Choose JMW?
At JMW, our expert bribery and corruption lawyers have represented clients accused of many different types of financial crime. Our vast experience spans the entire process from an initial investigation to any resulting criminal prosecution, including legal representation in court, at sentencing and during appeals. We have represented clients during criminal investigations brought by the police, the Serious Fraud Office and other UK law enforcement agencies, which means that we have a detailed understanding of the rules of these proceedings and how to comply without incriminating yourself.
The Bribery Act 2010 applies not only within the UK, but includes corrupt practices or payments made outside the UK by individuals or organisations with a close connection to the UK (such as companies that are incorporated in the UK). JMW's expert bribery and corruption solicitors have particular expertise in handling cases involving an international element, which makes us an excellent firm to choose regardless of the scale or complexity of your case.
Facing bribery and corruption allegations, or accusations that you failed to implement anti-corruption procedures, can introduce more than just complicated legal concerns for company directors - there is also a reputational risk to you and your business. As a full-service law firm, JMW can provide reputation management services and any other legal support you need when defending allegations or assessing your corporate liability for bribery, corruption and other types of financial crime.
Talk to Us
For more information about our specialist legal services for those facing bribery and corruption charges, contact our team today. Either call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will give you a call back as soon as possible.
