Government contractors who carry out stabilization operations must also merge US business practices with local laws and customs, a convergence regulated by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
The 1977 FCPA made it unlawful for persons and entities to make payments to foreign government officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business. Many years later, FCPA enforcement remains contentious.
Persistent bribery is a scourge to global commerce and good governance. It undermines the rule of law, facilitates other criminal activity, prevents businesses from identifying actual costs, and creates an unfair playing field for all competitors.
Final Report
- Report: The FCPA Landscape: Key Issues in Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement
- Presentation: The FCPA Landscape: Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Basics
FCPA Resources
The following guides and other resources have been prepared by the staff of the Criminal Division of the US Department of Justice and the Enforcement Division of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
FCPA Resource Guide
This guide is intended to provide information for businesses and individuals regarding the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). ]
A Lay Person’s Guide to the FCPA
A general description of the FCPA, not intended to substitute for specific counsel on FCPA matters.
Other Resources
- The FCPA, as of July 22, 2004
- The FCPA Blog
- Searman and Sterling Digest and Database
- The US Department of Justice on the FCPA
- The US Securities and Exchange Commission on the FCPA
- The FCPA Professor (an extensive collection of FCPA Scholarship)
- The US Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) on FCPA
Related Content
- “Corruption: Markets, Competition, and Rules” by Leonardo Borlini, Assistant Professor, Baffi Center on International Markets, Money, and Regulation, Bocconi University and Technical Consultant, U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, Christian Michelsen Institute (ISPL presentation, Oct. 2, 2014)
- “Anti-Money Laundering and Counterfinancing of Terrorism: Emerging Challenges and a Way Forward” by Ramesh Chander, SU Maxwell School CAS in Public Administration Candidate and former Director in the India Department of Revenue (ISPL presentation, Dec. 4, 2015)