Recent rulings conflict on whether police can force individuals to unlock their smartphones. The result depends upon where you are located, with differing rulings from Massachusetts and California. Further, there is an international dimension, illustrated by a recent decision from Israel. In short, as described below, the traveler must beware. Continue Reading
New OFAC CAPTA List Targets Foreign Banks
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) recently announced the creation of a new list of sanctioned parties specific to foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”). The Correspondent Account of Payable-Through Account Sanctions (the “CAPTA List”) identifies FFIs that are prohibited or severely restricted from opening or maintaining a U.S. correspondent account. Continue Reading
United Arab Emirates Removed From Tax Havens List
The European Union recently removed the United Arab Emirates from the list of Uncooperative Tax Havens. The UAE achieved this goal after enhancing the substance and transparency of its taxation procedures. Tax analysts believe this action will make the UAE an even more attractive destination for foreign investment in future.
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Supreme Court Applies Excessive Fines Clause to States
The Supreme Court today held the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause applies to the states. A wide variety of groups from the American Civil Liberties Union to the Chamber of Commerce of the United States supported the result.
Linguistic Clues Narrow Identity of Country A in Mueller Probe
Fascination continues about the identity of Country A in Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference. An unidentified corporation is a witness in the investigation and is owned by Country A.
Recent developments provide clues in the unredacted portions of unsealed court rulings and party filings. Based on linguistic analysis of court rulings and pleadings, Kristina Arianina, a senior associate with a linguistics background, narrows the number of potential candidates. Continue Reading
DOJ 2018 Policy Shifts in Review
In 2018, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued many important policy updates and rollouts that will have far-reaching impact. Our firm’s Alert provides an easily navigated yet detailed summary of developments. Policy Shifts at the Department of Justice – 2018 in Review focuses on government investigations and white collar prosecutions.
The Alert covers: Continue Reading
Will Russia Provide Missing Links to Murder, Kickbacks, Bribery?
The case against Leonid Teyf, a Russian citizen, in a federal court in North Carolina has enough juicy facts for an international crime novel. The U.S. prosecutors need evidence to convict Teyf and his accomplices of the central charges, stemming from an alleged kickback scheme in Russia. Will Russia provide missing links?
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Russia Continues Anticorruption Efforts in 2019
Russia continues its anticorruption efforts in 2019. These efforts build upon numerous convictions last year. In January 2019, despite the two-week public winter break, two significant cases developed. Beyond seeking additional convictions, the Russian government will implement public anticorruption outreach this year. Continue Reading
UPDATE – FSIA Mystery in Mueller Subpoena Case
Some “mysteries” surrounding the Mueller investigation’s grand jury subpoena case may soon come to light. Adding another unusual twist to the case, on January 22, 2019, the Supreme Court allowed the “mysterious” corporation, owned by Country A, to file a writ petition under seal, with redacted copies for the public record. Continue Reading
M & A and the FCPA in the New Year
Resolving corruption problems found during international mergers and acquisitions should be more certain in the New Year. Potential problems under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) can be handled in light of guidance provided by the Department of Justice (the DOJ). Continue Reading
