Anti-fraud and Corruption

Council of the EU Schedules A-Item Adoption of Anti-Corruption and Agricultural Laws

The Council of the EU has placed on its 21 April 2026 Foreign Affairs A-item agenda the formal adoption of an EU anti-corruption directive and first-reading positions on new genomic techniques and forest reproductive material regulations. These moves confirm political agreement on major corporate integrity and agri-food frameworks, signalling that businesses should prepare for tighter governance duties and new rules for plant breeding, seed marketing, and food and feed products across the EU.

22 Apr 2026, 12:22data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

US HHS Proposes Interoperability and Prior Authorization Standards and Open Payments CMP Definition

HHS is proposing to modernise US prior authorisation for drugs through interoperable APIs and pharmacy standards, while also clarifying when drug and device manufacturers and GPOs can face civil monetary penalties for obstructing federal Open Payments audits. If adopted, the rule would increase compliance, IT, and transparency expectations for US health plans and life sciences companies, signalling a broader shift toward real-time data exchange and stricter enforcement of financial disclosure obligations.

19 Apr 2026, 18:03federalregister.govUnited States

OECD Working Group Issues Phase 4 Follow-Up Report on Brazil Under Anti-Bribery Convention

The OECD has released its Phase 4 follow-up report evaluating Brazil's progress in implementing international anti-bribery standards and corporate liability reforms. Companies operating in Brazil should prepare for increased enforcement rigor and potential legislative updates as the jurisdiction aligns with global anti-corruption expectations.

2 Apr 2026, 16:55oecd.orgBrazil

OECD Working Group on Bribery Adopts Phase 4 Follow-Up Report on Canada

The OECD has published its Phase 4 follow-up report evaluating Canada's progress in implementing international anti-bribery standards and corporate liability frameworks. Businesses should anticipate heightened enforcement activity and potential legislative shifts as Canada faces continued pressure to align its anti-corruption regime with global benchmarks.

2 Apr 2026, 16:55oecd.orgCanada

OECD Working Group on Bribery Urges Argentina To Strengthen Foreign Bribery Enforcement and Whistleblower Protection

The OECD has called for urgent reforms in Argentina to address structural gaps in foreign bribery enforcement and whistleblower protection. Companies should anticipate stricter oversight and potential legislative changes, necessitating a review of local anti-corruption compliance and reporting frameworks.

2 Apr 2026, 09:28oecd.orgArgentina

Switzerland and Ukraine Conclude Reconstruction Cooperation Agreement

Switzerland and Ukraine have finalized a long-term reconstruction agreement providing state-backed financing for Swiss-led infrastructure and manufacturing projects through 2036. Participating firms must navigate a dedicated procurement channel that mandates rigorous compliance with export controls, anti-corruption standards, and sustainability criteria as core contractual obligations.

2 Apr 2026, 08:34fedlex.admin.chSwitzerlandUkraine

US President Continues National Emergency on Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation (H. Doc. 119-143)

The United States has extended the national emergency regarding Russian foreign activities through April 2027, maintaining the legal authority for all current sanctions. This extension signals a continuation of the existing restrictive trade environment, requiring companies to maintain rigorous sanctions screening and supply chain due diligence.

28 Mar 2026, 20:26govinfo.govUnited States

US State Department Publishes 2025 Global Magnitsky Sanctions Annual Report

The US State Department has published its 2025 Global Magnitsky report, detailing enforcement actions against 744 individuals and entities for human rights abuses and corruption. Companies should anticipate increased compliance pressure as the US strengthens international coordination on sanctions and targets forced labor risks within global supply chains.

27 Mar 2026, 08:06federalregister.govUnited StatesBrazilMyanmar (Burma)HungaryAustraliaCanadaEuropean UnionUnited Kingdom

European Parliament Approves Provisional Agreement On EU Anti-Corruption Directive

The European Parliament has approved a landmark directive establishing the first harmonized EU-wide criminal framework for combating corruption and private-sector bribery. Companies should anticipate more rigorous cross-border enforcement and must ensure internal compliance programs meet new uniform standards for prevention and reporting.

27 Mar 2026, 07:02europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Commission Decision Entrusting OLAF With Enforcement Under the Waste Shipment Regulation

The European Commission has formally empowered the European Anti-Fraud Office to enforce the Waste Shipment Regulation as of March 2026. This move signals a shift toward centralized EU-level oversight and more aggressive cross-border enforcement to combat illegal waste trafficking and fraudulent shipments.

26 Mar 2026, 12:20ec.europa.euEuropean Union

US Senate Proposes 10-Year Limitations Period for FCPA Antibribery Offences

The US Senate is considering legislation to double the statute of limitations for FCPA antibribery offenses to ten years. This extension would significantly increase long-term enforcement exposure and require a strategic overhaul of global record-retention policies and internal investigation protocols.

23 Mar 2026, 14:15govinfo.govUnited States

Rechtbank Rotterdam Upholds Fine for Failure To Register UBOs Under Dutch Trade Register Act

The Rotterdam District Court recently upheld administrative fines for failing to register Ultimate Beneficial Owners, confirming that transparency obligations apply to all registered entities regardless of their operational status. This ruling signals a zero-tolerance approach to corporate transparency compliance, meaning businesses must ensure accurate UBO filings for all legal entities, including dormant or inactive subsidiaries, to avoid non-negotiable financial penalties.

19 Mar 2026, 08:30deeplink.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

Netherlands Ministry of Justice and Security Submits First National Risk Assessment on Corruption to Parliament

The Dutch government has published its first National Risk Assessment on Corruption, identifying 13 high-risk areas including international business and financial services. Companies should prepare for a reinforced national anti-corruption strategy by mid-2026, necessitating stricter integrity controls and enhanced oversight of intermediaries.

17 Mar 2026, 20:21open.overheid.nlNetherlands

EU Council Adopts Implementing Regulation Updating Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 208/2014

The European Union has updated the legal justifications for sanctions against three individuals under the Ukraine misappropriation regime to ensure the measures remain legally robust. Businesses should maintain existing screening protocols for these individuals as the update reinforces the defensibility of the listings against potential legal challenges.

11 Mar 2026, 13:32data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

United States Issues Executive Order on Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens

A new US Executive Order establishes a coordinated federal offensive to dismantle transnational cybercrime networks and predatory scam centers. Organizations should prepare for intensified public-private intelligence sharing and monitor for emerging sanctions risks targeting entities involved in cyber-enabled fraud.

11 Mar 2026, 12:23whitehouse.govUnited States

EU ECON Committee Draft Opinion On Single Market And Customs Programme 2028–2034

The European Parliament’s ECON Committee has issued a draft opinion on the 2028–2034 Single Market and Customs Programme, prioritizing enhanced tax governance and digital enforcement. This signals a long-term shift toward integrated EU-wide digital reporting and stricter anti-fraud measures, requiring businesses to prepare for more transparent cross-border tax and customs compliance.

10 Mar 2026, 17:47europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Texas HHSC Issues Provider Guidance Letter 26-9001 On Daycare Intake Prioritization

Texas has centralized daycare incident reporting through a new Intake Prioritization Unit effective March 6, 2026. Operators must immediately update internal protocols to ensure all compliance and safety incidents are routed through centralized channels rather than individual inspectors.

10 Mar 2026, 11:31hhs.texas.govUnited States

Uzbekistan Cabinet Adopts Anti-Corruption and Competition Standards for Large Investment Projects

Uzbekistan has introduced mandatory anti-corruption and competition impact assessments for all investment projects exceeding USD 50 million. Project developers must align with new digital monitoring and transparency standards to secure approvals and prevent the withdrawal of state or international financing.

9 Mar 2026, 19:03lex.uzUzbekistan

UK Expands Russia Sanctions, Updates General Licences And Issues Exporters Notice

The UK significantly expanded its Russia sanctions regime in February 2026, targeting major energy and shipping entities while introducing new wind-down periods for existing contracts. Businesses must immediately update screening protocols for partners and vessels while preparing for potential export delays caused by technical integration issues between licensing and customs systems.

9 Mar 2026, 18:17gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Latvia Adopts Amendments to Whistleblowing Law Effective 1 March 2026

Latvia implemented expanded whistleblower protections on March 1, 2026, aligning national law with EU mandates on environmental crime and sanctions violations. Companies must update internal reporting systems and compliance protocols to address broader liability risks and the shift to a new central supervisory authority.

6 Mar 2026, 12:41vestnesis.lvLatvia