What are some of the recent key developments in the Irish white
collar crime landscape that in-house counsel should be aware
of?
The Irish white collar crime landscape has seen some significant
developments in the past 24 months, including the introduction of a
swathe of regulations and legislation intended to increase
compliance (including through enforcement activity) across various
industries. Irish regulators have been increasingly equipped with
enhanced powers to monitor, detect and prosecute white collar and
corporate offences, bringing increased focus on compliance on board
agendas.
One of the most significant recent reforms has been the
establishment, in July 2022, of the Corporate Enforcement Authority
("CEA"). The CEA investigates and
prosecutes breaches of Irish company law, replacing the former
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement
("ODCE"). The statutory functions of the
CEA are similar to its predecessor, however it now operates as
