Recent Trends And Developments Under Canada's Corruption Of Foreign Public Officials Act

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of investigations conducted¹ and criminal proceedings brought under the Canadian Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act² ("CFPOA"). A conviction for an offence set out in the CFPOA can result in significant fines for organizations and both fines and imprisonment for their directors, officers and employees. With the globalization of the economy, an ever-increasing number of firms are expanding their activities abroad. In this context and given the hefty fines, negative reputational impact and collateral consequences that can result from a criminal conviction, it is critical for organizations conducting business in foreign states to be aware of the behaviour of their employees, agents and officers that may attract criminal liability in both their home country and abroad.