May 21, 2014 — The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is critical to assist the global business market in achieving a level playing field that allows honest competition to thrive. To discourage unscrupulous corporations willing to bribe foreign government officials as a way to court business, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 established a whistleblower program. Tipsters who notify the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) about
FCPA fraud may be eligible for substantial rewards from the government.
Johnson Controls’ Operations in China Since 2007 May Have Violated FCPA
Johnson Controls, a multinational corporation providing industrial and technology services, has been in the midst of an internal investigation of possible FCPA violations in its China operations. The company first reported the internal probe in its Form 10-Q filed in May with the SEC.
The foreign bribery investigation has been restricted to the company’s marine business in China beginning in 2007. Johnson Controls hired external forensic accountants and legal counsel to conduct the probe under the oversight of its board of directors and audit committee. In conjunction with the review, the company is
reportedly evaluating ways to strengthen its FCPA compliance program.
In June 2013, the company reported the investigation’s findings to the U.S. Justice Department and the SEC, though it waited until now to disclose make a public announcement.
Blowing the Whistle on Foreign Bribery Enterprises
The qui tam lawyers at Waters & Kraus are devoted to representing whistleblowers willing to stop foreign bribery scams by collaborating with the U.S. government. In this economic climate, it takes real bravery to blow the whistle on FCPA violations. That’s why our experienced lawyers are so focused on safeguarding their clients’ rights during the process. Contact us by
email or call our FCPA lawyers at 855.784.0268 to find out more about the FCPA whistleblower process and your role in doing the right thing.
