UK-based reinsurance brokers, Tysers Insurance Brokers Limited (Tysers) and H.W. Wood Limited (H.W. Wood), have resolved Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations by the US Justice Department. Both companies entered three-year deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs) after admitting to participating in a corrupt scheme to pay bribes to Ecuadorian government officials. The violations occurred between 2013 and 2017, with bribes totaling approximately $2.8 million paid to secure advantages in obtaining and retaining reinsurance business with Ecuadorian state-owned insurance companies. Tysers will pay a $36 million criminal penalty, while H.W. Wood’s penalty is $508,000 due to financial constraints. The companies are required to cooperate with ongoing or future investigations, enhance compliance programs, and provide progress reports to the Justice Department during the DPAs’ three-year term. Eight individuals have also been charged in related matters.
By FCCT Editorial Team