Summary
Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which prohibits U.S. and foreign firms from bribing foreign officials.
The move aims to prevent American businesses from being disadvantaged against foreign competitors. The Department of Justice will review past cases and develop new enforcement guidelines.
The FCPA, enacted in 1977, carries significant penalties for violations. The DOJ pursued 24 FCPA cases in 2024 and 17 in 2023.
Critics warn that halting enforcement could encourage corruption and undermine global business ethics.
It’s really interesting watching how professional anti fraud and corruption associations like ACAMS and ACFE are saying absolutely nothing about these moves. Bodies which go on about professional integrity exhibiting a complete absence of spine.