Ethics Talk Live: Corruption

DECEMBER 9 · Virtual from HELSINKI

15-16 EET

One of the most discussed themes on our survey launch was the high numbers of observed corruption (67% during the last 12 months).

We have invited two amazing experts to continue the discussion on corruption in the Nordics and beyond on December 9th at 14 CET. Sam Eastwood is a well known for being brought in by companies companies to investigate corruption issues. He argues that Nordics is not so special because “corruption is everywhere“. Sara Koski from DLA Piper is also dealing with corruption issues on an international scale and will share her views on how we can work more proactively.

why Nordic companies end up in big scandals

why do we think we are less corrupt than we are (survey shows that many witness corruption)

how do we break the stigma around admitting to corruption (most companies report very low levels or zero corruption cases in GRI)

We also have some more insights into this theme and will launch a dedicated “Focus on Corruption” report.

Register to receive the link to the recording

Sara is a Counsel in DLA Piper’s Compliance, Internal Investigations and White-Collar Defense practice in Paris.

Sara assists clients in the areas of anti-corruption, AML-FT, duty of vigilance, international sanctions and trade compliance regulations on a broad range of compliance matters, including:

design and implementation of compliance programs, carrying out risk mapping exercises, developing compliance tools and policies relating to third party screening, gifts and hospitalities, prevention of conflicts of interests, whistleblowing measures, and deploying related training etc.;

strengthening compliance governance and controls, developing compliance networks, creating compliance committees,
carrying out risk assessment and KYC / KYS checks in relation to third parties;
conducting pre-acquisition due diligence and post-acquisition compliance integration;
conducting risk analysis in relation to specific projects;
assisting in the context of preparation and handling of authority controls;

Sara also advises clients in relation to investigations in these areas and has developed an in-depth experience in tackling all steps of investigations whether internal or involving regulatory or public authorities both regarding French and multijurisdictional cases.

She also regularly handles cases in relation to life sciences sector compliance regulations, such as French “Anti-Gift Law” and “Sunshine Act”, sector specific ethical guidance and rules adopted by SNITEM, LEEM MedTech Europe, EFPIA, etc.). Due to her expertise in both criminal risk prevention, compliance and life sciences regulations, she is frequently involved alongside of DLA Piper France’s life sciences team on complex cases in relation to investigations into possible violations of the applicable regulations and helping clients develop risk mitigation and compliance measures.

Sam is a partner in Mayer Brown’s Litigation practice in London and a member of the Firm’s White Collar Defense & Compliance practice. Sam’s experience includes: pursuing and defending claims arising from significant corporate acquisitions; competition litigation; advising on joint venture and shareholder disputes; fraud investigation; and seeking injunctive relief. He advises on ethics, anti-corruption and human rights issues in connection with companies’ internal compliance policies and procedures and international business transactions. Sam has significant experience in cross border corporate investigations involving complex financial and accounting issues and anti-corruption matters throughout Africa, Asia, Europe (particularly the Nordic region), Middle East and South America. He regularly conducts risk assessments, transactional due diligence and compliance program reviews.

Sam sits on the board of Transparency International UK, as well as the Management Committee of University College London’s Centre for Ethics and Law. He is a member the City of London White Collar Crime Committee. He is co-chair of the Professional Against Corruption Group which he helped to set up at the time of the UK anti-corruption summit in 2016 and a founding member of the International Association for Independent Corporate Monitors.