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Investigations

Companies face an escalating risk of being subjected to investigations, initiated either by governmental entities, both domestic and foreign, or by multilateral development banks (MDBs).

 

These investigations encompass businesses of all sizes and can revolve around allegations of sanctionable practices, such as corruption and fraud.

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Many small and medium enterprises involved in international projects in developing countries often lack awareness that funding from major MDBs, such as the World Bank Group, can entail rigorous compliance demands that, if disregarded, may result in exclusion and debarment.

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Moreover, whistleblowing alerts can trigger internal probes into potential misconduct. It is prudent for corporations to respond promptly to identified wrongdoing, as this proactive stance serves to shield them from legal liabilities and reputational risks.

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Salomé possesses a decade's worth of experience in conducting sensitive investigations alongside tight-knit teams and trusted forensic experts. She excels under pressure and demonstrates expertise in negotiating settlement with MDBs and governmental agencies, ensuring optimal outcomes for her clients.

international investigation lawyer for multilateral development banks MDB corruption and fraud probes

Representative experience

1 

Multilateral Development Banks Investigations

  • Defense of a large industrial group in connection with World Bank and African Development Bank investigations into alleged corruption and collusion in West Africa and South-East Asia.

  • Defense of a major French construction consortium in connection with World Bank investigations into alleged corruption and collusion in the Indian Ocean.

  • Representation of a large industrial group during settlement negotiations with the European Investment Bank to close an investigation into allegations of corruption in West Africa.

  • Representation of an industrial group when negotiating a settlement with the World Bank following voluntary disclosure of potential wrongdoings in India.

  • Conducted cross-border internal investigations as part of mandatory remedial requirements following World Bank debarment decisions

2

Corporate Internal Investigations

  • Conducted internal investigations for major car manufacturers indicted on counts of fraud in France, Germany, the US and South-Korea (Dieselgate)

  • Represented a major French industrial and construction group in connection with a control by the French Anticorruption Agency (AFA)

  • Conducted a cross-border internal investigation for a leading pharmaceutical company with respect to its COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing process

3

Compliance

  • Advised various French and international companies with the implementation of their compliance programs under Sapin II (risk mapping, whistleblowing procedure, third party due diligence, training, etc.)

  • Advised a major US pharmaceutical group in connection with the compliance and integrity review of post-acquisition distributors

  • Advised Belgium's leading postal operator on the implementation of tailored M&A integrity review procedures

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