FCPA freeze fallout: Trump's order stalls probes, but SEC scrutiny remains

Despite the current pause, experts say that the FCPA remains in effect, and policy shifts or risk of prosecution by future administrations remain

In early 2017, as US President Donald Trump assumed office for his first term, Mondelez International agreed to pay $13 million to settle charges from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that its Cadbury unit had violated federal anti-bribery laws during efforts to expand a chocolate plant in Baddi, India.

 

In a statement, Mondelez said it was pleased to reach the civil settlement in which it neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing.

 

In 2019, Walmart paid $282 million to settle violations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in India and other countries. This settlement concluded a seven-year investigation by