The City of London Police Overseas Anti Corruption Unit (OACU) has launched Consequences Begin at Home. It’s a video for businesses to understand the implications of the Bribery Act and how it affects them.
The video, which has been designed to be used by companies as part of ongoing internal training for their staff, is available free and has particular relevance for small and medium-sized enterprises who do not have the same capacity or resources available to them as bigger organisations.
Commander Steve Head said: “Corruption differs from most other crimes in that most of the victims are abroad and are often unaware of the offence. But the corrosive effect that this type of offence can have on society and on the rule of law cannot be underestimated. We regularly engage with our International partners and colleagues, assisting them in the pursuit of offenders.
“The consequences on individuals within the UK are also significant so please take the time to watch/use the video. Commercial reputations take many years of hard work to establish, but can literally be lost overnight through lack of adequate procedures and governance, please don’t be that company.”
OACU has a global remit to investigate allegations of UK companies and individuals involved in bribery in developing countries. The unit also provides information and crime prevention advice. The unit adds that it will follow the video up with a “reporting template” on how you can report Bribery and Corruption suspicions, as well as details of the training packages offered by The Academy; the force’s Economic Crime Directorate’s training facility. The packages include anti-corruption, counter-fraud and bribery courses, all of which can be tailored to suit a company.
Commander Steve Head said: “Many of you may have heard it said that corruption is a ‘victimless crime’; I can assure you it isn’t. It differs from most other crimes in that most of the victims are abroad and are often unaware of the offence. But, the corrosive effect that this type of offence can have on society and on the rule of law cannot be underestimated. We regularly engage with our International partners and colleagues assisting them in the pursuit of offenders.”
