Foreign bribery rarely presents itself openly. Legitimate business arrangements can conceal relationships, influence and financial interests that shape access to public contracts, licences or other commercial opportunities. Agents, consultants, companies and other intermediaries can play entirely legitimate roles, but may also be used to distance businesses from corrupt conduct, obscure responsibility or disguise the true purpose of payments and relationships.
This session will examine how hidden actors and relationships can be identified and how companies and enforcement authorities can distinguish legitimate commercial activity from arrangements that facilitate bribery or undue influence. It will consider third-party risks, opaque ownership or control, corporate responsibility, evidentiary challenges, due diligence and detection tools, and how effective enforcement can help protect a level playing field for businesses operating across borders.
