Anti-bribery and corruption laws in the post-Brexit world
The Bribery Act 2010 came into force in July 2011. For UK businesses operating in the emerging and frontier markets its effect was seismic. Organisations were suddenly faced with having to comply with some of the toughest anti-corruption rules in the world. As we approach ten years on, we reflect on some of the key convictions of the last decade.
R v Patel, 2011
This was the first conviction under the Bribery Act. Mr Patel, who worked at Redbridge Magistrates Court, was found guilty of accepting bribes in return for arranging escape from disqualifications, fines or points on their licences for those who came before the Court for driving offences. Mr Patel’s conduct amounted to the systematic perverting of the course of justice including at least 53 cases. It lasted over a year and it netted Mr Patel over £90,000. On appeal, the sentence (which also reflected other offences) was reduced from six to four years’ imprisonment.
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