Business Crime Update | May 2021
Published on 4th May 2021
Welcome to the latest edition of Osborne Clarke's Business Crime Newsletter published as we enter spring and with the promise of perhaps slowly easing into a post lockdown period.
Happily the team's work did not diminish during lockdown and we have continued to assist clients on a wide range of issues across a number of the jurisdictions in which we practise. Reflecting the breadth of that work, this newsletter includes content looking at the following subjects:
- Covid-19 based corruption risks in the Life Science and Healthcare sector;
- Recent anti-bribery regulations in France;
- An update on the later EU Whistleblowing Directive;
- Analysis of the risks posed by ransomware demands; and
- An audio recording of a client seminar looking at the UK's latest anti-money laundering risk assessment focussing on the increased risk faced by the real estate sector.
If you would like further detail or assistance on these issues or any business crime related matter, please contact me.
In the interim, please stay safe and all best wishes.
Covid-19: Mitigating the increased risks of corruption in the Life Sciences and Healthcare sector
The pandemic, coupled with the significant economic downturn, continues to produce pressures on businesses that could prove to be fertile ground for corrupt and unethical practices. Within the life sciences and healthcare sectors, perhaps most obviously with pharmaceuticals, these pressures might be particularly acute.
French Anti-corruption Agency assesses progress in its fight against corruption
The French Anti-corruption Agency (AFA) issued a report on 31 March 2021 assessing the progress of its multiannual national plan to fight against corruption.
The Whistleblowing Directive
The new Whistleblowing Directive (2019/1937) is due to be implemented by EU Member States by the end of 2021. Businesses operating in the EU will need to review their policies and procedures in line with Member States' requirements.
Ransomware: to pay or not to pay?
Businesses up against a ransom threat face a difficult decision, but going into it with open eyes and a clear decision-making strategy can help ensure you make the right move.
Eating Compliance for Breakfast | Anti-money laundering: National risk assessment 2020 – the updated landscape
In this webinar, Jeremy Summers and Ian Wilkinson provide an overview of the recently updated national anti-money laundering risk assessment focussing on the increased risk level for real estate and possible mitigation strategies.
