Sweett Group Ordered to Pay £2.25 Million in First UK Section 7 Conviction

UK Bribery Act Sweett Group

Following its December guilty plea in the UK, global building and infrastructure company Sweett Group on Friday was ordered by a UK court to pay £2.25 million (including a fine of £1.4 million) for violating Section 7 of the UK Bribery Act of 2010.  This was the first-ever conviction and sentence for a company under Section 7, which in essence penalizes companies for failing to prevent bribes made on their behalf.  The conduct at issue related to a three-year arrangement in the UAE to secure contracts related to large building contracts. Prior FCPA Scorecard coverage is also available.