Bribery and Corruption : The Impact on your Business and Employees

What is Bribery ?   

It’s fair to say that most of us have an understanding of what amounts to Bribery, but it all sounds complicated- getting someone to do something, through financial payment, or other reward, which will influence others, through their actions, to the advantage of the provider of the bribe. A simple example makes it plain- making payment to a party to secure a business contract. The Bribery Act 2010 sets out the specific offences. Each situation will have different and particular circumstances as to the bribe and its outcome.  However, with the passing of the Bribery Act and the Criminal Finances Act 2017 (failure to prevent offences) business has had to adapt to develop compliance processes to address and prevent the possibility of Bribery affecting their business and its employees.  Investigations by a variety of authorities such as the SFO are complex and long running and can have a hugely damaging impact on the operation of a business and its reputation.  

What is Corruption ?   

Corruption operates where a person in a position of power, authority and trust engages in dishonest or fraudulent conduct.  

What is the role of MSB Solicitors in defending such investigations and prosecutions? 

MSB Serious Crime and Business Crime lawyers specialise in providing advice and representation to clients and businesses, throughout the country, who face the serious allegations of Bribery and Corruption in criminal investigations and subsequent prosecutions before the Crown Court.  

 If you, or your business, or employees face an investigation or prosecution for Bribery and Corruption you should immediately contact us to receive advice and representation from our skilled and experienced Serious Crime and Business Crime solicitors. Most frequently these offences are investigated by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) or the National Crime Agency (NCA). Should you be contacted by either the SFO or NCA to attend for an interview you should urgently contact our Serious Crime or Business Crime service.   

How will MSB assist during an investigation into Bribery or Corruption? 

MSB will ensure through our pre-charge work and engagement with investigators that wherever possible our clients avoid prosecution. No one wishes to be prosecuted and it is to be avoided at all costs. Securing our early representation is key. Conviction for these offences can result in very substantial sentences of imprisonment and significant financial penalties. It is therefore vitally important that you contact  MSB specialist Bribery and Corruption lawyers to ensure our  involvement at the earliest stage.   

Can MSB Solicitors assist in defending Court proceedings?  

MSB has a significant and nationwide record of success in advising and representing individuals and businesses facing these allegations. Our dedicated lawyers will engage with investigators and the prosecution to obtain detailed information as to the nature of the allegations and the alleged facts upon which investigators and prosecutors base their case. We will critically examine the evidence and mount detailed legal challenges, both during the investigation and in any subsequent trial proceedings before the Crown Court.   

How do Investigations Begin?   

A starting point for an investigation may be a Dawn Raid on business premises and homes.  We understand the significant damage which may ensue to you, your business, your family life and your reputation when facing allegations of Bribery and Corruption.  There may be arrests and searches of personal premises. These events are inevitably frightening and difficult for those involved.  

 MSB specialist criminal lawyers will swiftly act to reassure you, your family, and business colleagues through our skilled and detailed advice and representation, enabling you and your business to continue. Often these investigations are accompanied by Account Freezing Orders (AFO) and if you are served with an AFO you should contact MSB Serious Crime or Business Crime team immediately. We will challenge AFO’s, seeking where appropriate their variation or removal.  

 Bribery Act 2010– Impact on Businesses  

The Bribery Act of 2010, is very far reaching and places significant requirements on businesses and their employees as to compliance, to ensure that they do not engage in extortion, the giving of bribes to secure business, the paying of illegal gratuities or engaging in corporate espionage. If you are concerned that you, or your business, are under investigation you should obtain the best possible professional advice and representation from our Serious Crime or Business Crime lawyers.   

How can I achieve the best possible outcome? 

It is vital that you contact us immediately if you face a Criminal Investigation or Prosecution. MSB Solicitors advise and represent clients in the defence of a wide range of Criminal Investigations and Criminal Court proceedings. For any individual or business reputational damage from involvement in a Bribery and Corruption investigation or prosecution will be of immense concern, as will the possible implications of facing criminal investigations or Court proceedings,  all of which may take many years to conclude. MSB ‘s Expert Defence Lawyers understand these significant difficulties. We will advise and guide you through to obtain the best possible outcome for you, your family, your business and its employees.  MSB’s expert criminal lawyers are recognised as Leading Individuals by the Legal 500 and MSB are a Chambers and Partners Top Ranked Serious Crime and Business Crime practice, so you are assured of receiving the most skilled advice and invaluable legal assistance throughout your case. Practising nationwide, MSB’s dedicated Serious Crime and Business Crime lawyers are instructed in the most complex, difficult and high- profile cases. MSB Solicitors has an outstanding record of success in the provision of our Serious Crime and Business crime service to our clients.