Israel-Based Pharmaceutical Company Sets Aside $520 Million for Potential FCPA Settlement

Federal Issues FCPA International SEC DOJ Bribery China

An Israel-based pharmaceutical  company, stated in its Form 6-K filed with the SEC on November 15, 2016, that it has set aside approximately $520 million for a potential settlement of FCPA matters being investigated by the SEC and DOJ. The company explained that the reserve relates to conduct that occurred between 2007 and 2013 in Russia, Mexico, and the Ukraine, and that it was discovered in the course of the investigation that began in early 2012 with the issuance of an SEC subpoena to the company, as well as a concurrent internal investigation of its worldwide business practices.

Should the pharmaceutical company enter into a settlement, it will top the growing list of pharmaceutical companies that have been subject to multimillion dollar penalties for conduct in violation of the FCPA, including the following:

• A $5.5 million settlement in 2016 of allegations relating to bribery of Chinese and Russian doctors;
• A $20 million settlement in 2016 of allegations relating to bribery of Chinese health care professionals;
• A $25 million settlement in 2016 of allegations relating to bribery of Chinese doctors;
• A $14 million settlement in 2015 of allegations relating to bribery of healthcare professionals at state-owned hospitals in China;
• A$29 million settlement in 2012 of allegations relating to bribery of government employed physicians in Russia, Brazil, China and Poland; and
• A $70 million settlement in 2011 of allegations relating to conspiracy and bribery of doctors employed by state-controlled health care systems in Greece.