Control Risks Expects Global Economic Crisis to Generate More Large-Scale Fraud and Corruption Cases

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
Control Risks, the international business risk consultancy, released two reports
examining the trends of corruption as a result of the global economic crisis:
"Corruption, Compliance and Change: Responding to greater scrutiny in
challenging times" and "Facing up to Corruption in Nigeria."

Control Risks warns businesses to expect more cases of large-scale fraud and
corruption as the crisis continues to unfold. As a consequence, tighter
regulation is anticipated with inconsistent and imbalanced levels of enforcement
varying from region to region.

"Countries that have never done so before, such as China and Japan, have begun
enforcing corruption laws while those who have been enforcing regulations are
now seeking steeper fines and, in some cases, lengthy prison sentences," said
John Bray, Director, Analysis for Control Risks. As the US is increasing its
enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), other Western
governments are following suit. The Nigerian government is also involved in a
series of high-profile corruption investigations. "To mitigate the risk of
corruption," continues Bray, "companies must ensure that they establish
effective compliance controls and communicate these controls adequately to
employees at all levels."

To mitigate risk of corruption, Control Risks advises businesses to:

* Develop and communicate an effective compliance program;
* Secure the CEO and management team`s commitment to high standards of
integrity;
* Rely on good business intelligence: choose the best people and partners;
* Cultivate diplomatic skills and cultural sensitivity;
* Be prepared for setbacks.

"Corruption will continue to be a serious issue," states Elaine Carey, National
Director of Investigations. "There is no doubt that the U.S. maintains the
strictest regulations and enforcement for anti-corruption violations, which is
precisely why U.S. companies operating internationally need to take a serious
look at safeguarding their operations."

For further information or to receive a copy of the reports, contact: Sara
Bracceschi or Kerry McFadden.

Note to Editors

Control Risks is one of the world`s leading global business risk consultancies.
As a trusted adviser to more than three quarters of the Fortune Global 500, we
protect our clients` most valuable assets: their people, their brand and
reputation and their business infrastructure. Our support and advice enables
clients to manage the political, security, operational and integrity risks that
come with doing business internationally.

Control Risks
Sara Bracceschi or Kerry McFadden
+1 202-449-3330
crnorthamerica@control-risks.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009