Andrés Felipe Parra Ana María Rodríguez In 2011, the Colombian Congress enacted an anti-corruption statute known as Law 1474 of 2011 to bring the country's anti-corruption laws up to international standards. The Law contains provisions that specifically refer to anti-corruption policies and prohibitions that are applicable to all sectors of the economy. Therefore, companies undertaking business activities in Colombia should adopt specifically tailored compliance policies and procedures, including the establishment of compliance manuals, to heighten awareness within the corporate organisation and minimise the potential legal liabilities that may arise out of unlawful conduct by any of its employees or third-parties acting on the entity's behalf. Surprisingly, most companies in Colombia remain unaware of the existence of the new anti-corruption regulations, and the severe penalties that may be imposed for violations of the new law. One of the most significant penalties includes the potential cancellation or suspension of the company's registration with the Chamber of Commerce if it can be proven that the entity has sought to benefit from the commission of a criminal offence against the public administration, such as the commission of a bribery-related offence.
September 22 2013