The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) was passed in 1977 to prohibit businesses in the United States from bribing foreign government officials. In an FCPA violation, U.S. individuals or companies make payoffs to foreign government officials in an attempt to gain new business in another country, maintain business relations or make any sort of an economic gain.

The U.S. government harshly prosecutes those accused of FCPA violations. If you have been charged with bribery of a foreign official, contact Rothman & Associates in Miami, Florida, to discuss your defense options.

Telecommunications Industry

A large number of those prosecuted for FCPA violations are in the telecommunications industry. In an attempt to gain business in a new country, cell phone companies have been charged with bribing foreign governmental officials. Air time is a free product when start-up costs are paid for, so this has the potential for being a lucrative business opportunity.

Recognizing the potential threats associated with foreign government bribery, the FCPA was passed. Today, those convicted of FCPA violations face very serious penalties that could include double-digit prison sentences for people with no prior records.

Investigation and Defense Options

At Rothman & Associates, we have a thorough understanding of the FCPA and its provisions. When a client is charged with an FCPA violation, we ask questions that may help build a defense: Was an actual payment made? Was the payment legitimate? Was our client actually dealing with a foreign government?

In some countries, government bribery is not an illegal practice. In fact, it is a common business practice. If you have found yourself under investigation for bribery of a foreign government, we can help you understand your charges and make informed legal decisions.

Find out more about:

• Government fraud
• Accounting, bank and wire fraud
• Money laundering and structuring
• Import / export crimes

Contact a lawyer online to schedule an initial consultation with a Florida criminal defense attorney.

David Rothman is AV rated under the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating process.* Associate Jeanne Melendez has likewise devoted her career to criminal law.