Uncovering FCPA Violations: Millicom's Complex Case Involving Drug Cartel Funds

The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly discuss the intricate details of a recent FCPA enforcement action against Millicom Cellular, a Luxembourg-based telecommunications company with operations in Guatemala. The discussion uncovers how Millicom's joint venture, Comunicaciones Celulares (CommCell), became embroiled in bribery and corruption involving duffel bags of drug cartel cash used to pay off Guatemalan officials. Despite the DOJ’s earlier pause on FCPA enforcement, the emergence of narco-trafficking aspects led to a reopened investigation and significant penalties for Millicom. Key points include the case timeline, the lack of Millicom's operational control and visibility, and the broader implications for due diligence in joint ventures and cross-border operations in high-risk regions. Key highlights: Details of the FCPA Enforcement Action Millicom’s Joint Venture in Guatemala Self-Disclosure and DOJ’s Response Timeline of Events and Corruption Details Drug Trafficking and Bribery Connections Implications and Compliance Lessons Resources: Matt in Radical Compliance Tom Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices