ARTICLE · 16 APRIL 2009

Complying With Corruption And Bribery Laws

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP

Explore more from Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP

Investigating and punishing companies for paying bribes to win public business is an increasing priority of law enforcement agencies around the world.

United KingdomGovernment, Public Sector

James Maton

Investigating and punishing companies for paying bribes to win public business is an increasing priority of law enforcement agencies around the world. There is no reason to expect that the insurance industry is immune from corrupt activities: in January 2009, the Financial Services Authority fined Aon Limited £5.25 million following an investigation into compliance systems failures causing possible breaches of anti-bribery laws.

In the United States corruption investigations and enforcement actions are at an all time high, and the Aon and other cases suggest that the United Kingdom authorities are now intent on achieving similar results. This will be given impetus if Parliament accepts Law Commission proposals to overhaul bribery laws.

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