FCPA Lawyer :: US Foreign Corrupt Practices Penalties for FCPA Violations

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA violations and penalties for government contractors that have violated the FCPA can be embarrassing and can expose you to media coverage and other negative publicity. Understanding the extent of your liability can trigger the necessary in-house actions that can minimize your exposure.

In recent years, the U.S. government has increased its focus on implementing such penalties for companies and people who violate the Act.

What is the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and How Are Government Contractors Liable?

The US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 mostly deals with and prohibits bribes to foreign government officials to aid in obtaining or retaining business. The FCPA also applies to prohibited conduct anywhere in the world and extends to publicly traded companies and their officers, directors, employees, stockholders, and agents. Agents can include third-party agents, consultants, distributors, joint-venture partners, and others.

The US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a United States federal law that was enacted to deter companies from paying bribes in order to gain an advantage in the international market. The FCPA applies not only to U.S. firms doing business abroad, such as Dubai, Saudi Arabia and more but also non-U.S. businesses with U.S.-based employees, officers, directors, shareholders or agents.

Government contractors are held accountable for any violations of the penalties for FCPA violations that a contractor may face include large fines and potential jail time for those convicted of criminal activity related to bribery. In order for a conviction to be obtained under the FCPA, prosecutors must prove four elements: (1) an offer or payment of money or something of value; (2) to a foreign official, political party, or candidate for office; (3) with the knowledge that it will be used in order to corruptly influence an act or decision of such person; and (4) with the intent to obtain or retain business.

Government contractors can avoid facing criminal charges by implementing and enforcing anti-corruption policies throughout their organization. In addition, contractors should ensure that all employees receive useful training on the FCPA and consult with a legal professional if any potential violation arises. By taking proactive steps such as these, government contractors can reduce their risk of being penalized for FCPA violations.

Overview of FCPA Violations

The US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a U.S. federal law that prohibits companies from paying foreign officials in exchange for personal gain. It is illegal to give anything of value, including cash, gifts, or other favors to government officials in order to influence their decisions or obtain business advantages. Violations of FCPA law can carry criminal and civil penalties, including hefty fines and possible jail time.

In recent years, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has become increasingly aggressive in pursuing FCPA violations, with a particular focus on large multinational companies. Here are some of the most famous cases where companies were found guilty and punished for violating the FCPA:

Examples of FCPA Violations

The most common type of FCPA violations involve companies or individuals offering money or other benefits to foreign government officials in exchange for favorable treatment or an unfair business advantage. Other examples include bribing foreign officials to win contracts, engaging in accounting fraud to hide illegal activities, and using third parties to funnel bribe payments.

In one of the largest FCPA settlements ever, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer paid $60 million to settle criminal and civil charges for bribing foreign officials in Poland, Russia, and China. The company also admitted that it had used sham consulting contracts to make payments to government officials in an effort to win business.

In a separate settlement with the DOJ, telecommunications firm Alcatel-Lu cent paid $92 million to resolve charges that it had bribed foreign officials in Costa Rica, Honduras, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Alcatel-Lucent admitted that it had offered gifts, payments, and other benefits to government officials in order to win lucrative contracts.

What is Bribing a Foreign Official?

Bribing a foreign official is the practice of offering money, gifts, or other favors in exchange for personal gain. This type of activity is prohibited under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and carries with it significant criminal and civil penalties. It is considered a serious violation of U.S. law to offer anything of value to a foreign official in order to influence their decisions or gain an unfair business advantage.

In addition to the criminal and civil penalties, companies found guilty of bribing a foreign official may also be subject to debarment, which prevents them from bidding on government contracts for a period of time. The FCPA also requires companies to maintain accurate records and implement internal controls to help prevent bribery and corruption.

What are Improper Payments to Political Parties or Candidates?

Improper payments to political parties or candidates are payments made in order to influence the outcome of elections or to gain favor with a political party. This type of activity is prohibited under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and carries with it significant criminal and civil penalties. The FCPA prohibits any person from making a contribution, loan, or promise of anything of value to foreign governments, political parties, or candidates for foreign office in exchange for an improper advantage.

In addition to the criminal and civil penalties, companies found guilty of making improper payments may also be subject to debarment, which prevents them from bidding on government contracts for a period of time. Companies must also maintain accurate records and implement internal controls to help prevent bribery and corruption. Companies can also face sanctions from the SEC, including fines and disgorgement of profits.

How Can Federal Government Contractors Face Liability for FCPA Violations?

Federal government contractors can face liability under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for a variety of activities, including bribing foreign officials, providing improper payments to political parties or candidates, and engaging in accounting fraud. Companies that contract with the federal government are required to maintain accurate records and implement internal controls to prevent FCPA violations. Contractors that fail to do so may be subject to criminal and civil penalties, as well as debarment from future government contracts.

Companies that are found to have violated the FCPA may also be subject to criminal prosecution, as well as civil suits by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC can impose fines, issue cease-and-desist orders, and require companies to disgorge any profits obtained through illegal activities. Additionally, the

What Are Grease Payments to Facilitate Business Transactions?

Grease payments are payments made to foreign officials or others in order to facilitate business transactions. These types of payments can be seen as bribes, and are prohibited under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Grease payments are usually small sums of money intended to speed up administrative procedures or otherwise influence decisions related to business deals.

What Are Examples of Government Contractors Making False Accounting Entries or Misleading Disclosures to Conceal Bribery Payments?

Making false accounting entries or misleading disclosures to conceal bribery payments is a violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Companies must keep accurate books and records and make truthful disclosures in order to comply with the law. Companies may face criminal and civil penalties for falsifying records or making false statements in order to hide payments made to foreign officials. This includes attempts to disguise, understate, or omit payments in order to conceal their true nature.

Civil Penalties Imposed by SEC and/or DOJ

Civil penalties imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and/or Department of Justice (DOJ) for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) can be severe. The SEC has the authority to impose civil monetary penalties, cease-and-desist orders, and require companies to disgorge any ill-gotten profits. Additionally, the DOJ can prosecute FCPA violations criminally and impose fines, as well as other criminal penalties. Companies that are found to have violated the FCPA may also face debarment from future government contracts.

Criminal Penalties Imposed by DOJ

Criminal penalties imposed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) can be severe. Individuals and entities that are found to have violated the FCPA may face criminal prosecution, fines, and other criminal penalties for FCPA violations. The DOJ has the authority to impose criminal fines up to $25 million for corporations and up to $5 million for individuals. Companies that are found to have violated the FCPA may also face debarment from future government contracts.

Hiring FCPA Lawyers to Represent Your Company

When a company is under investigation or has been charged with violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), it’s important to hire experienced FCPA defense lawyers who can represent your interests and advocate for you in court. FCPA lawyers have experience in understanding the intricacies of the law and will be able to provide legal advice on how to defend against alleged violations. In addition, they can provide strategic guidance on how to best address any civil or criminal investigations.

More on FCPA Fines and FCPA Penalties

The DOJ and SEC are responsible for enforcing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a dual-enforcement mechanism that can lead to criminal and civil penalties for violators. For individuals, FCPA violations can result in imprisonment of up to five years, criminal penalties of up to $100,000, and civil penalties of up to $10,000.

For entities, FCPA violations can result in stiff criminal penalties up to $2,000,000 and civil penalties up to $10,000. Domestic concerns may face FCPA fines up to $2,000,000.

False or misleading statements in FCPA-related reporting requirements constitute willful violations, carrying even heavier penalties. In this case, individuals may face fines of up to $5,000,000 and jail time of up to 20 years, while entities may face fines up to $25,000,000.

What consequences do companies and individuals face for FCPA violations?

If your company is involved in a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act case, it may have to disgorge (turn over) any profits (plus interest) and may be barred from contracts with the U.S. government. It’s crucial to have FCPA lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC to avoid consequences from violating the FCPA. Call us at (866) 601-5518 for a FREE Initial Consultation. Speak to Theodore Watson. 

Penalties can expose you to  FCPA fines of up to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for business entities. Without having an FCPA defense attorney on board, your ability to do future business with the federal government can be greatly impaired.

Penalties can severely impact government contractors. Companies should make sure that their key staff and subordinates are trained. The following summarizes penalties for FCPA violations. that can be imposed.

Real Samples of FCPA Violation Cases Where Contractors Were Subject to Huge Penalties

I. Siemens AG FCPA Case

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission reached a settlement with Siemens AG, one of the world’s largest engineering firms, for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Through its subsidiaries in Argentina, Bangladesh, China, Israel, Vietnam and more than a dozen other countries, Siemens AG bribed government officials in exchange for contracts and other business advantages. Siemens AG agreed to pay a total of $800 million in criminal and civil penalties, including a criminal penalty of $448 million—the largest-ever penalty imposed by the United States for FCPA violations.

KBR and Halliburton FCPA Case

BAE Systems FCPA Whistleblower

 In 2010, BAE Systems Plc, a British defense contractor, settled with the DOJ and the SEC for bribing foreign government officials in several countries to secure contracts. The company paid $400 million in fines and penalties—the third-largest FCPA settlement ever reached by the DOJ.

Total S.A.

In 2013, Total S.A., one of the world’s largest integrated oil and gas companies, agreed to pay $398.2 million in criminal fines and penalties for bribing Iranian government officials to secure contracts for the development of a natural gas field in Iran.

Summary of Federal Corrupt Practices Act Penalties, Bribes and FCPA Penalties

Individual FCPA Penalties & Fines: Anti-bribery provisions

• A Civil penalty up to $10,000.
• Criminal fine up to $250,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years.
• Under the Alternative Fines Act, the fine may be increased to twice the gross financial gain or loss resulting from the corrupt payment.
• A criminal fine imposed on an individual cannot be paid directly or indirectly by the company on whose behalf the person acted.

Individual Penalties: Accounting provisions

• Civil penalty for those who pay bribes up to $100,000.
• Criminal fine up to $5 million or twice the gain or loss caused by the violation, and imprisonment up to 20 years.
• Fines cannot be paid directly or indirectly by the company on whose behalf the person acted.

Who may be fined up to $25 million per violation of the FCPA accounting provisions?

According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), individuals, companies and their subsidiaries or affiliates may face potential FCPA violation penalties of up to $25 million per violation under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Companies and individuals found guilty of violating the FCPA’s accounting provisions can also be subject to criminal fines, disgorgement, civil penalties and other sanctions. In addition, violators of the FCPA accounting provisions may be disqualified from serving as directors or officers of any public company, and may be subject to criminal prosecution. To ensure compliance with the FCPA and its accounting provisions, it is recommended that companies seek counsel from a qualified Foreign Corrupt Practices Act defense lawyer. With the assistance of such an attorney, organizations can properly interpret the FCPA and its provisions to help avoid potential penalties or criminal prosecution.

By understanding the FCPA’s accounting provisions, companies and individuals can work to prevent any violations of this Act and reduce their risk of being fined up to $25 million per violation. Consulting with a qualified foreign corrupt practices act lawyer is essential for. With the help of an FCPA lawyer, individuals and companies can better understand their responsibilities and rights under the FCPA to protect themselves from any potential penalties associated with violating this Act.

In sum, those found guilty of violating the FCPA’s accounting provisions may face up to $25 million in fines per violation.

FCPA Fines and Penalties for Entities: Accounting Provisions

• A Civil penalty of up to $500,000.
• Criminal fine of up to $25 million or twice the gain or loss caused by the violation.

The Federal Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 also requires issuers to keep accurate books and records and have a system of internal controls enough to, among other things, offer reasonable assurances that transactions are executed, and assets are accessed and accounted for under management’s authorization.

Who can be liable? The SEC may bring civil enforcement actions against issuers and their officers, directors, employees, stockholders, and agents for violating the FCPA’s anti-bribery or accounting provisions.

Other consequences. Companies and individuals that have committed FCPA violations may have to disgorge their ill-gotten gains plus pay prejudgment interest and large civil penalties. Companies may also be subject to independent consultant oversight.

What is the Alternative Fines Act ?

The Alternative Fines Act (21 U.S. Code 855) is a federal law that was passed in 1984 and amended in 1988. This law allows for the sentencing court to impose alternative fines instead of traditional criminal fines when appropriate and consistent with public safety, restitution to victims, and other important interests of justice. Under this act, alternative fines can include community service, mandatory counseling, drug treatment or other forms of rehabilitation. This act allows for courts to consider the unique characteristics of each case in order to create an individualized sentence that is appropriate for the particular facts and circumstances. The Alternate Fines Act also provides for enhanced enforcement efforts by allowing additional penalties for FCPA violations such as probation and restitution.

How does 21 U.S. Code 855 Apply to Government Contractors?

Government contractors, including subcontractors and suppliers, are subject to the Alternative Fines Act (21 U.S. Code § 855) if they violate any federal regulations or laws related to their performance under a government contract. Contractors can be penalized for violating contractual terms, as well as certain administrative rules and regulations that apply to the contract. FCPA violation penalties under 21 U.S. Code § 855 may include alternative fines, debarment from contracting with the federal government, and/or other administrative sanctions. Contractors found in violation of this law can face significant financial and reputational consequences.

In summary, 21 U.S. Code § 855 is a federal law that allows courts to impose alternative fines instead of traditional criminal fines when appropriate. Government contractors may be subject to this law if they fail to comply with certain laws and regulations, and could face significant financial and reputational consequences in the event of non-compliance. It is important for government contractors to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Who oversees and enforces the program: The SEC and the Department of Justice are jointly responsible for Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations enforcement. The SEC’s Enforcement Division has created a specialized unit to enhance further enforcement penalties and its provisions for bribes.

See a recent case where SEC sanctions a company for violation of the FCPA.

Call Watson & Associates, LLC’s FCPA lawyers for help with FCPA violation penalties. Call Toll Free 1-866–601-5518.