The law surrounding bribery and corruption is inherently complex, and investigations can be protracted in nature, causing significant disruption to business and potential reputational damage. If you are subject to a bribery and corruption investigation, or have been charged with bribery and corruption offences, we can help you wherever you are based.

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At Imran Khan & Partners Solicitors, our team of solicitors can guide you through every step of the process, from representing you during questioning to advice and representation at Court.

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Free Initial Telephone Discussion

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For a free initial telephone discussion, please call us on 020 7404 3004 or email info@ikpsolicitors.com and we'll be in touch shortly. We can help clients wherever you are based.

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We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you require urgent assistance outside of business hours, please contact us on our emergency number on 07738 802993.

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What are Bribery and Corruption offences?

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Very generally, bribery can be defined as giving someone a financial or other advantage to encourage that person to perform their functions or activities improperly, or to reward that person for having already done so. So this could include seeking to influence a decision-maker by kind of extra benefit to that decision-maker rather than by what can be legitimately offered as part of a tender process.

 

An organisation itself could become criminally liable if a very senior person in that organisation commits a bribery offence, or where an employee or agent does so in circumstances where adequate preventative measures have not been put in place. Bribery does not include circumstances of genuine hospitality or similar promotional or business expenditure that is reasonable and proportionate. 

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A “corrupt practice” could include corruptly giving, promising, or offering any gift, loan, fee, reward or advantage whatsoever as an inducement or reward. 

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Examples of organisational conduct that could amount to a bribery or corruption offence could include:

• Offering a gift such as football season tickets to a decision-maker in a personal capacity as an inducement to award a business tender  in a certain direction

• Making a “facilitation payment” or “grease payment” to induce an official to perform a routine function they are otherwise obligated to perform

• Offering a free service or benefit from your company to a police officer, such as free meals at a restaurant,  in exchange for them turning a “blind eye” to possible other offences such as parking violations.

 

Bribery and corruption proceedings can also be brought against individuals, such as public officials or private individuals. Examples of conduct by an individual that could amount to a bribery or corruption offence could include:

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• Accepting a sum of money to ensure that compromising data is lost or destroyed during an investigation

• Paying money to a prison officer in exchange for them smuggling in luxury goods to a detained person

• Offering a payment to a local planning official in return for a favourable outcome

 

Why Choose Us?

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Penalties for bribery and corruption offences can be severe, including unlimited fines, and in the case of individuals, significant custodial sentences. Imran Khan and Partners Crime Team have particular expertise of defending in high-value crime cases and our Confiscation Team are experts in defending against proceedings under Proceeds of Crime legislation. As such, we are able to offer a well-coordinated and joined up service from start to finish.

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Our team of financial crime lawyers can help you with:

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• Advice and assistance during any investigation

• Immediate advice and representation at dawn raids

• Preparation of the defence case and expert representation in Court

• Liaison and negotiation with the Prosecuting Authority

• Challenging any proceedings brought in relation to the freezing of funds or seizure of assets

• Advice on reporting restriction orders and other steps to assist with the prevention of reputational or trade damage                        

 

How do I pay for my legal fees?

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Please contact us to discuss your circumstances and possible funding options.

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How to get in contact

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If you are facing allegations related to Bribery and Corruption, do not delay and contact us on 020 7404 3004 to talk about your matter with our team. Alternatively, please email info@ikpsolicitors.com

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We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We can assist wherever you are based and have offices in central London.