A leading New York-based anti-corruption lawyer spoke to over 200 officials and students about the US fight against global and domestic corruption at a lecture in Vientiane. According to Danforth Newcomb, under the act, it is unlawful for US persons to pay a foreign official to obtain an improper advantage or help retain business.
A leading New York-based anti-corruption lawyer Danforth Newcomb’s visit was organised by the Foreign Affairs Institute and aimed to increase local knowledge on the origins and expansion of public office corruption and the measures that can be taken to fight the problem, including the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Under the act, it is unlawful for US persons to pay a foreign official to obtain an improper advantage or help retain business. The act covers payments made both directly and by third parties and includes bribes handed to foreign public officials, political parties, party officials or candidates.
Danforth Newcomb, who has been recognised by numerous publications as a leading Foreign Corrupt Practices Act expert, said US nationals breaking the law could face up to US$2 million in fines or five years imprisonment. He said civil penalties could be as high as US$16,000 per violation.
Anti-corruption compliance programmes are critical for any US company working internationally. Danforth Newcomb has advised on compliance programmes in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and former Eastern Bloc countries, and is approved by the United Nations as on expert on compliance.
Source: LNTV Lao News in English
