Anti-bribery progress. 2011 update

Twelve years ago leaders from OECD countries took a big step. They committed to holding their companies to account for their behaviour abroad. Until then, bribing abroad to win contracts had been a tax deductible expense in at least 14 OECD countries.

Under the 1999 OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials industrialised nations committed to criminalising businesses that bribe foreign officials to win government contracts, turn a blind eye to sub-standard delivery or avoid rules or costs like customs taxes. 12 years on, Transparency International’s 2011 OECD Progress Report on enforcement of the anti-bribery convention warns that enforcement is not strong enough, largely because governments lack political will.

Transparency International’s In Focus section looks at some of the key issues. Read this at Anti-bribery progress: indefinitely delayed.

For more information, or for any assistance with regard to the forthcoming implementation of the UK Bribery Act please contact any of the team at BG