UK, France, Switzerland Launch Critical Anti-Corruption Task Force
In a landmark move to combat cross-border corruption, the UK, France, and Switzerland have launched a game-changing task force to tackle global bribery and fraud. Announced on March 20, 2025, this high-stakes collaboration unites Europe’s top enforcement agencies—the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO), France’s Parquet National Financier (PNF), and Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG)—to crack down on corporate crime. With explosive growth in cross-border corruption schemes, this alliance is poised to revolutionize global enforcement. Here’s everything you need to know—and how to protect your business.
Why This Anti-Corruption Task Force is a Game-Changer
Critical Stats You Can’t Ignore:
$1 trillion+ in bribes paid globally each year (World Bank).
93% of multinational corporations face bribery risks in emerging markets (Transparency International).
$3.9 billion Airbus settlement (2020) shows the explosive cost of non-compliance.
Key Features of the Task Force:
Unprecedented Coordination: Combines the SFO’s aggressive prosecution, France’s Sapin II mandatory audits, and Switzerland’s forensic asset-tracking.
Extraterritorial Power: Targets companies with EU ties, even if headquartered elsewhere.
Whistleblower Incentives: The SFO is considering U.S.-style rewards for tip-offs.
Urgent Risks for Businesses: Compliance Strategies to Act Now
Proven Tactics to Avoid Penalties:
Strengthen Internal Controls: Implement driven risk assessments and real-time transaction monitoring.
Train Employees: Ensure staff understand facilitation payment bans under the UK Bribery Act and Sapin II.
Audit Third Parties: Scrutinize suppliers, distributors, and agents for red flags.
Case Study: Glencore’s $1.1 Billion Mistake
The 2022 Glencore settlement—a cautionary tale—proves how weak compliance frameworks lead to catastrophic fines and reputational damage.
The U.S. Factor: How Trump’s FCPA Pause Impacts Global Enforcement
President Trump’s 2025 executive order paused FCPA enforcement to focus on drug cartels, creating a critical gap in anti-corruption leadership. Experts warn this bold move could embolden bad actors—but the UK-France-Swiss task force is stepping up to fill the void.
Key Quote:
“This alliance isn’t just symbolic—it’s a strategic necessity for global accountability.”
– Nick Ephgrave, Director of the UK SFO
5 Must-Know Challenges for the Task Force
Resource Gaps: France’s PNF struggles with overloaded caseloads.
Legal Conflicts: UK’s strict liability vs. France’s intent-based laws.
Sovereignty Battles: Balancing national laws with joint prosecutions.
Corporate Pushback: Lobbyists argue compliance costs stifle innovation.
Expansion Pressure: Calls to include non-EU nations like Nigeria and Brazil.
The UK-France-Switzerland task force is a wake-up call for businesses worldwide. To avoid devastating fines, proactively audit your compliance programs, leverage technology, and stay ahead of enforcement trends.
Feel free to reach us at online@roelatam.com to help you design and implement a tailor made compliance program now.
This blogpost is based on the following articles:
Also, please check these other posts in our site for more information about the FCPA Pause, the ISO 37001, and our compliance services: