Complimentary Rugby World Cup tickets could be ‘bribery’

NEW Zealand companies dishing out Rugby World Cup tickets and government agencies receiving them may be blissfully unaware they risk penalties of up to 10 years in jail and unlimited fines for bribery.

A global British Bribery Act which came in force on July 1 may ensnare New Zealand companies, accounting and legal experts warn.It is so tough that the revelation last week that top New Zealand civil servants received more than 200 freebies from Barclays, Westpac, BNZ and ANZ – before the act was passed – could in future potentially see prosecutions of the banks.New Zealand companies with a legal presence in Britain come under the act for any acts of bribery anywhere in the world. New Zealand companies can also be caught by any bribery actions committed by employees for the employer’s benefit who hold British passports – even if they have dual nationality.The act also creates a corporate offence of ”failing to prevent bribery” which means directors of a New Zealand company, with a London footprint, could find themselves prosecuted for the actions of an employee in some other country.British offshore law expert Katy Millington told Fairfax RWC ticket gifts might amount to bribery.’This law is the toughest that has been made anywhere in the world,’ she said.’Most problematically for some businesses, the giving of gifts and other corporate hospitality has the potential to trigger a bribery offence.’Pricewaterhouse Cooper’s forensic services director Alex Tan says it was important that New Zealand companies with any sort of UK connection need to develop anti-bribery practices to protect themselves and their employees.He says British Government guidelines on things like RWC tickets say they are not looking to penalise hospitality that is proportionate, reasonable and made in good faith.’If over the top, extravagant and intended to influence the receiver then there will be issues.’ – stuff.co.nz