INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Congress enacted the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA or the Act) in
1977 in response to revelations of widespread bribery of foreign officials by U.S.
companies. The Act was intended to halt those corrupt practices, create a level
playing field for honest businesses, and restore public confidence in the integ-
rity of the marketplace.
The FCPA contains both anti-bribery and accounting provisions. The anti-bribery provisions prohibit US. per- sons and businesses (domestic concerns), U.S. and foreign public companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States or which are required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (issuers), and certain foreign persons and businesses acting while in the territory of the United States (territorial jurisdiction) from making corrupt payments to foreign officials to obtain or retain business. The accounting provisions require issuers to make and keep accurate books and records and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls. The accounting provisions also prohibit individu- als and businesses from knowingly falsifying books and records or knowingly circumventing or failing to imple- ment a system of internal controls.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) share FCPA
enforcement authority and are committed to fighting for- eign bribery through robust enforcement. An important component of this effort is education, and this resource guide, prepared by DOJ and SEC staff, aims to provide businesses and individuals with information to help them abide by the law, detect and prevent FCPA violations, and
implement effective compliance programs.
The Costs of Corruption
Corruption is a global problem. In the three decades since Congress enacted the FCPA, the extent of corporate bribery has become clearer and its ramifications in a trans- national economy starker. Corruption impedes economic growth by diverting public resources from important pri- orities such as health, education, and infrastructure. It undermines democratic values and public accountability and weakens the rule of law? And it threatens stability and
security by facilitating criminal activity within and across
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