Corruption comes in many shapes and sizes, including bribery, facilitation payments, conflicts of interest, and inducements. Companies may unwittingly enter a ‘grey area’ when doing business with or operating in countries with elevated risk of corruption, or when receiving or offering business gifts. Combating corruption is increasingly a priority for law enforcement authorities, including in an international context. Corruption often goes hand in hand with other criminal offences, such as money laundering, forgery, and accounting fraud. It can have major consequences for your company and management, not only because of the impact of an criminal investigation, but also because of the many other consequences, such as the risk of exclusion from future tenders or the refusal by auditors to issue an unqualified opinion.
NautaDutilh's anti-corruption team advises financial institutions, listed companies and management on anti-corruption measures on a daily basis. Our criminal law experts assist companies and directors faced with allegations of (international) bribery. We also at the same time focus on prevention and help clients draw up anti-corruption policies, draft anti-corruption clauses in (commercial) contracts, and conduct anti-bribery/anti-corruption (ABAC) due diligence in transactions and acquisitions. Our experts are also part of the NautaDutilh Corporate Investigations Team, performing (internal) investigations for clients into signs of potential irregularities, for example in response to a whistleblower report or critical questions from auditors.
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Highlighted work
- Advising Deloitte in connection with the Steinhoff accounting scandal;
- Assisting Telia Company in connection with a large-scale international corruption investigation, resulting in a settlement with the Dutch Public Prosecution Service and the US Department of Justice (DOJ);
- Assisting a transport company suspected of fraud and bribery, resulting in an irrevocable acquittal;
- ABAC Due Diligence in M&A transactions;
- ABAC review of existing contracts and relationships of a medical device manufacturer;
- Internal investigation into alleged bribery and forgery at a company as part of ongoing criminal proceedings;
- Self-reporting to the Dutch Public Prosecution Service in connection with a cross-border investigation into possible corruption at an international chemical company;
- Investigation into possible conflicts of interest and irregularities in a tendering procedure for the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.
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What others say
Our Corporate Crime team has been ranked Tier 1 in the Legal 500 for many years now. Led by three of the firm’s female partners, the team also definitely promotes female leadership.
- "NautaDutilh provide a premier white-collar crime service. They have deep market knowledge and are instructed on a range of high profile cross-border matters. The team is collegiate and user friendly and adds tremendous value as part of an international consortium of law firms on cross-border matters."
Legal500 2020 - "Top notch quality in various areas of economic crime. Strong international background, very well-connected with authorities."
Legal500 2020 - "Intelligent and strategic thinkers who make the right decisions for the benefit of their clients!"
Legal500 2020
- "NautaDutilh provide a premier white-collar crime service. They have deep market knowledge and are instructed on a range of high profile cross-border matters. The team is collegiate and user friendly and adds tremendous value as part of an international consortium of law firms on cross-border matters."
