A US federal court sentenced Carl Alan Zaglin, owner and chief executive officer of Georgia‑based manufacturer Atlanco LLC, to eight years in prison for his central role in a complex international bribery and money laundering scheme. The sentencing took place on 2 December 2025, following a high‑profile trial in Miami that exposed unlawful conduct spanning several years.
What happened?
Between March 2015 and November 2019, Zaglin agreed to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to officials of the Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso para la Administración del Fondo de Protección y Seguridad Poblacional (TASA), a Honduran government entity responsible for procuring uniforms and related goods for the nation’s police force.
Prosecutors demonstrated that:
- The payments were disguised through sham contracts and fraudulent invoices;
- Around $2.5 million was paid to a third‑party intermediary, Aldo Nestor Marchena, who channelled funds to government officials;
- The misconduct secured more than $10 million in government contracts for Atlanco.
As well as the custodial sentence, the court ordered Zaglin to forfeit over $2 million of the proceeds linked to his offences.
The key players
In September 2025, a federal jury convicted Zaglin of:
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering;
- Violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA); and
- Conspiracy to violate the FCPA.
Co‑defendant Marchena previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment in late 2025, while another former Honduran official charged in the case, Francisco Roberto Cosenza Centeno, is scheduled for sentencing in 2026.
Broader enforcement context
This case underscores the continued focus of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on international corruption and enforcement of anti‑bribery laws such as the FCPA. Recent DOJ priorities highlight enhanced scrutiny of cross‑border trade, customs, and anti‑corruption risks, signalling that multinational firms and executives can expect vigorous prosecution when overseas bribery is uncovered.
Key takeaways
For organisations and compliance professionals, the Zaglin case offers important reminders:
- Rigorous due diligence is vital when dealing with third parties or intermediaries in international markets.
- Transparent procurement practices, and meticulous record‑keeping help deter bribery risks.
- A robust anti‑corruption compliance programme aligned with regulatory expectations can reduce the likelihood of misconduct and mitigate consequences if violations occur.
- Regular training on anti‑corruption laws and internal reporting procedures ensures employees understand the risks and how to report suspicious activity.
Though based in the United States, this enforcement action has global implications for companies operating in jurisdictions with heightened corruption risks. Strong governance and continuous monitoring remain essential to ensure your organisation is meeting legal and ethical standards worldwide.
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