Houston Businessman Convicted of Bribery, Money Laundering

 Posted on August 28, 2024 in White Collar Crime

A businessman who worked for an American energy-trading company has pleaded guilty for his involvement in a scheme to bribe government officials in Mexico. The businessman and his company paid around $600,000 in bribes to secure contracts to provide ethane to a Mexican-owned petroleum company.

To facilitate this scheme, the businessman and his co-conspirators used shell companies, fake invoices and contracts, and fake names on email accounts to earn hundreds of millions of dollars in business. The man was charged under The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a federal law that prohibits bribery and other corrupt payments to foreign officials.

People charged under the FCPA face penalties that could change their lives forever. If you have been charged with, or are being investigated for, violations of the FCPA you need to get a Texas federal criminal defense attorney immediately.

What is the FCPA? 

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a U.S. law that makes it illegal for American companies and citizens to bribe foreign officials to gain business advantages. Passed in 1977, the FCPA has two main parts. The first part deals with anti-bribery, prohibiting payments or gifts to foreign government officials to influence their decisions in favor of the business.

The second part requires companies to keep accurate financial records and have proper internal controls to prevent and detect corruption. The law applies to U.S. companies, citizens, and even foreign companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges. This includes non-US companies that employ U.S. citizens anywhere in the world and companies incorporated under U.S. law.

Who Prosecutes FCPA Violations? 

Federal crimes are prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), primarily by U.S. Attorneys. U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President and serve as the chief federal prosecutors in their respective districts. They handle cases involving violations of federal law, including crimes like drug trafficking, fraud, terrorism, and more.

U.S. Attorneys work with federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF to investigate and build cases. In addition to U.S. Attorneys, specialized divisions within the DOJ, like the Criminal Division, may also prosecute certain federal crimes, especially those involving complex legal issues or requiring specific expertise. In the case mentioned above, the FBI’s Miami International Corruption Squad conducted the investigation.

What Are the Penalties for Violating FCPA? 

Violating the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) can result in severe penalties for both companies and individuals. Companies found guilty of violating the anti-bribery or accounting provisions can face fines of up to $2 million per violation, while individuals, including corporate officers and employees, can be fined up to $250,000 and face up to five years in prison.

Additionally, civil penalties can be imposed, and companies and individuals may be required to pay restitution or fines to negate their profits. The FCPA also allows the government to bar companies from doing business with federal agencies, which can have significant business consequences.

Contact Our Dallas, TX Federal Bribery Criminal Defense Attorney Now

Federal bribery and money laundering charges have such serious penalties that you will need the help of an outstanding Dallas, TX federal criminal defense attorney if you hope to have a shot at a favorable outcome. At Spencer & Associates, we have handled very high profile cases. We fight to protect every client’s career, reputation, and business prospects. Get the best federal criminal defense in Texas by calling 214-385-8500 now.