Bribery and Money Laundering Flashcards
What Acts and regulations are you aware of relating to Bribery, Money Laundering and Corruption?
Bribery Act (2010)
Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations (2017)
Proceeds of Crime Act (2002)
Are you aware of any RICS documents of this topic?
RICS Professional Statement - Countering Bribery, Corruption, Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (2019)
Are you aware of any new bills which the government are introducing to try and combat money laundering?
Registration of Overseas Entities Bill
What is the Bribery Act (2010)?
The Bribery Act is an Act of parliament which provides principles to follow for bribery prevention and aims to reduce bribery in businesses in the UK and abroad
Is non-compliance with the Bribery Act a criminal offence?
Yes
What is the aim of the Bribery Act?
To reduce bribery in businesses across the UK
What is a bribe?
Persuade (someone) to act in one’s favor, typically illegally or dishonestly, by a gift of money or other inducement.
What are the six principles for bribery prevention under the Bribery Act?
- Proportionality
- Top Level Commitment
- Risk assessment
- Due diligence
- Communication
- Monitor and review
What are the four offences under the Bribery Act?
- Bribing
- Receiving a bribe
- Bribing a foreign official
- Failure to prevent a bribe
Are companies responsible for their employees corrupt acts?
Yes, unless they can show that they have put adequate policies and procedures in place to combat bribery.
Give me some examples of the types of policies / procedures companies could put in place to combat bribery.
Staff training
Provision of policies
Regular reviews
Can certain forms of lavish entertainment be classified as bribery?
Yes if it is not reasonable and proportionate
Is hospitality prohibited by the Act?
No as long as it is reasonable and proportionate and it is registered in a gift and hospitality register.
Are cash gifts allowed?
No cash payment over 10,000 euros can be accepted under the Money Laundering Regulations (2017)
What should be considered with gifts in kind?
Income tax liability
Can you accept a gift from a 3rd party or contractor?
No
Who is the Bribery Act policed by?
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
What are the penalties for non-compliance with the Bribery Act for individuals?
Unlimited fine and/or max. 10 years imprisonment
What are the penalties for non-compliance with the Bribery Act for companies?
Unlimited fine
Are you aware of any case law relating to bribery?
In 2016, SWEET GROUP were prosecuted for a bribe offered to a Middle Eastern Business - fined £1.4m by Serious Fraud Office and £250k by RICS
What should you consider if asked a question on bribery and hospitality?
THE LAW - Bribery Act 2010 Your firms procedures Consider - Proportionality Timing Reciprocation
Tax implications and money laundering (cash)
Employment contract details
What are you firms anti-Bribery procedures?
Do no accept or give cash
Must have prior approval for gifts or hospitality over £100
All gifts and hospitality must be registered on a gift register
Must comply with the Bribery Act and RICS Professional Statement - mirrors obligations
Is hospitality, promotional and other ‘low’ value business expenditure which seeks to genuinely promote and improve the image of a firm acceptable?
Yes it is, in accordance with anti-bribery policy.
What is money laundering?
When the proceeds of crime are disguised and realised as legitimate assets