SAP, a major German software company, has agreed to pay more than $220 million to resolve bribery allegations involving government officials in several countries. This settlement includes a criminal fine of $118.8 million and a forfeiture of $103.4 million. SAP entered a three-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve criminal charges of conspiring to bribe government officials in Indonesia and South Africa.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also reached a related civil settlement with SAP, covering alleged bribery schemes in Azerbaijan, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Indonesia, and South Africa. The DOJ stated that SAP had accepted responsibility for corrupt practices that harmed honest businesses engaging in global commerce.
The alleged bribery schemes involved payments, cash, political contributions, and luxury goods intended to secure government contracts and advantages. SAP’s cooperation with the DOJ’s investigation, its commitment to enhanced compliance measures, and its willingness to take disciplinary actions against involved employees contributed to the reduced penalties.
The settlement highlights the importance of anti-corruption compliance and the consequences companies may face when engaging in corrupt practices, even if they operate internationally.
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Original Source: US Department of Justice
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