Bribery Act and International Aspects – Close Connections

The Bribery Act is wide reaching encompassing offences committed outside the UK. How aware of the Act do individuals carrying out business abroad need to be?

A person who commits an offence of bribery outside the UK, including both accepting and offering bribes, remains within the jurisdiction of the UK courts if they have a close connection with the UK.

The Act defines the following as having close connections with the UK; a British National, an ordinary resident of the UK, a body incorporated in the UK, a Scottish partnership.

Any person with close connections who carries out business outside the UK therefore needs to be wary of the impact of the UK bribery legislation.

For more information contact tim.richards@michelmores.com.