In Rare DPA, SEC Resolves FCPA Claims with PBSJ over Middle-Eastern Bribes

Florida-based engineering and construction firm PBSJ Corporation (now the Atkins North America Holding Corporation) has agreed to pay $3.4 million to resolve FCPA claims with the SEC relating to bribes in Qatar and Morocco.  The claims were resolved via a Deferred Prosecution Agreement – an unusual settlement tool for the SEC.  The SEC also settled claims with Walid Hatoum, PBSJ’s former international marketing director, through an administrative proceeding.  We summarize the case and draw compliance lessons.  See also “SEC’s NPA with Ralph Lauren, the Agency’s First Ever, Modifies the M&A Due Diligence Requirements Traditionally Included in DOJ DPAs, and Outlines Specific Actions That Constitute Effective Self-Reporting” (May 1, 2013).

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