The Bribery Act 2010 introduced comprehensive legislation targeting bribery and corruption investigations. This encompassed both the public and private sectors, as well as activities conducted via overseas law enforcement agencies.
The Act sets out a number of situations where allegations can be made. Still, the basic definition requires an exchange of some advantage and the improper performance of some function. Typical examples include:
- Paying someone to speed up an application.
- Offering money to secure business.
- Accepting a gift in return for a favourable decision.
Additionally, it is now an offence under s.7 of the Act to fail as a commercial organisation to prevent bribery, whether it occurred within the UK or anywhere else in the world. Cases of this type must be brought in the name of the partnership and a sentence will be a fine to be paid out of the partnership assets.
Overall the Bribery Act 2010 represents a robust legal framework aimed at combatting corruption allegations, holding both individuals and organisations accountable for their actions and ensuring transparency and integrity in business practices.
Sentencing can vary for these offences depending on the circumstances of the offence; however, the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and/or a fine.
