Bribe, Swindle or Steal

Chuck Duross, a leading expert in anti-corruption law and former chief of the FCPA unit at the DOJ, dives into the complexities of voluntary self-disclosure for companies. He explains the evolving DOJ policies and the tough balance of risks versus rewards. Chuck shares insights on what constitutes a 'timely' disclosure, the potential benefits like reduced fines, and the serious pitfalls, including loss of control in investigations. He also discusses how past examples, like Morgan Stanley's approach, inform today's disclosure decisions.

At the 2025 TRACE Annapolis Forum, Billy Jacobson, Partner at Jacobson Lopez, explores the DOJ’s shifting FCPA priorities—from a focus on “grand corruption” and the costs of investigations to prosecutorial uncertainty and statutes of limitation. In today’s unpredictable environment, companies must stay the course, protect resources, and invest in training.

Nicola Bonucci, an Associate Professor at Paris Cité and former General Counsel of the OECD, shares insights from his 25 years of anti-bribery expertise. He discusses the evolution of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, highlighting shifts in enforcement dynamics and the U.S.'s fluctuating role. Nicola warns of rising risks for companies amid evolving political landscapes and nebulous guidance on business practices. He emphasizes the importance of strong compliance programs as multijurisdictional enforcement becomes more common, particularly with new alliances forming in the UK, France, and beyond.

Speaking at the 2022 TRACE London Forum, Oliver Bullough, author of Butler to the World, discusses the UK’s role as an enabler of financial crime, efforts toward accountability, the balance between transparency and privacy, and the weaponization of lawsuits in British courts to silence journalists.   This episode was originally published on 26 October 2022.

This is a powerful session from the 2022 TRACE London Forum featuring Leonid Volkov, former Chief of Staff to Alexei Navalny and Political Director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF). Leonid discusses the role of corruption in Putin’s Russia as well as the impact of sanctions and the toll that rampant corruption is taking on Russia.   This episode was originally published on 5 October 2022.

Eugene Soltes, Author, and Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, describes his fascinating research into what motivates white collar criminals and how distance from their victims makes it easier.   This episode was originally published on 30 August 2017.

Karen Benson, Senior Counsel, Legal, at Energizer Holdings, shares a broad range of tips on how to build a targeted, innovative training program that keeps employs interested and engaged.   This episode was originally published on 15 May 2019.

Misti Mukherjee discusses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, focusing on topics such as affirmative action, age discrimination, and the role of compliance professionals. She emphasizes the need for clear communication, empathy, and understanding to promote a culture of belonging and combat unintentional discrimination.

Chuck Duross, Global Co-Chair of the FCPA and Global Anti-Corruption Practice at Morrison Foerster, and former head of the DOJ’s FCPA unit, discusses lures, stings, wiretaps and INTERPOL Red Notices.   This episode was originally published on 7 March 2018.

Nick McKenzie, award-winning Australian investigative journalist, shares the inside story of his role in exposing the Unaoil scandal.   This episode was originally published on 12 July 2017.