In June 2006, the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, announced new measure to tackle international corruption, identified as one of the priorities at the Gleneagles G8 summit. After that G8 announcement, the Government established a new dedicated team for investigating international corruption, including money laundering in the UK by corrupt politicians from developing countries, and bribery by UK businesses overseas.
The taskforce which investigates international corruption and bribery by UK nationals or a commercial organisation that carries on a business or part or a business in the United Kingdom is led by the City of London Police, Overseas Anti Corruption Unit (OACU). The OACU deals exclusively with International Bribery and Corruption and not domestic offences.
About the City Of London Police, Overseas Anti Corruption Unit (OACU)
The OACU consists of 12 officers who are experienced investigators in International Bribery and Corruption and can be contacted either by phone or by email, if you have any questions. Alternatively you can make an appointment to either meet at their offices in London or if they are available they will attend a venue of your choice. The unit has developed a small pocket sized guide titled the Bribery Act 2010. The guide which is free on request provides the user with information on some of the key sections within the act as well as general points to remember.
The Act makes it a criminal offence to give, promise or offer a bribe and to request, agree to receive or accept a bribe either at home or abroad, with section 6 specifically relating to foreign public officials.
The act introduces a corporate offence of failure to prevent bribery by persons working on behalf of a business; with a potential defence reliant on the company showing ‘adequate procedures’ were in place.
Finally, the act also increases the maximum penalty for bribery from seven to ten years imprisonment, with an unlimited fine.
