France On Track to Increase Penalties for Corruption

French anti-bribery laws – and their enforcement – are under the microscope, and the increased scrutiny is likely to bring stronger penalties for violations.  From law firm Heenan Blaikie:

“France is currently the focus of an assessment by the OECD Working Group on Bribery to determine whether its preventive and repressive measures implemented to fight against international bribery and corruption are satisfactory and effective in light of the OECD’s recommendations…

… the willingness of France to show to the OECD an earnest posture in connection with the fight against bribery could induce French authorities to follow in the footsteps of their American and British counterparts and reinforce penalties in this area.

Businesses operating in countries with a high corruption perception index should consider implementing efficient systems for preventing and fighting against corruption and bribery (ethics committee, code of ethical behaviour, compliance programs, employee training…) in order to evidence their good faith in the event they should be prosecuted by French authorities.”

Read the full update, Assessment of France by the OECD Working Group On International Bribery Likely to Result in Increased Repression - Heenan Blaikie LLP»