Overseas Canadian firms being probed for corruption: RCMP

Firms involved in mining, infrastructure, aviation, rail, engineering and technology are susceptible to corruption, such as paying a bribe to secure a contract, say Mounties.

RCMP anti-corruption investigators say they are probing possible shady practices by several Canadian companies operating in parts of Africa, Eastern Europe and South America.

Firms involved in mining, infrastructure, aviation, rail, engineering and technology are susceptible to corruption, such as paying a bribe to secure a contract, say Mounties with the force’s sensitive and international investigations section.

“These are all sectors that are at risk,” said Staff Sgt. Stephanie Rousseau, acting officer in charge of the section’s foreign anti-corruption team.

The team is responsible for probing possible wrongdoing in violation of Canada’s Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, which allows the RCMP to charge individuals or corporations in cases with a substantial link to Canada.

Rousseau hopes Canadian companies are becoming more aware of the consequences of illicit behaviour overseas.

“And we’re getting the word out that it’s not a way of doing business,” she said during a recent interview, accompanied by other team members.

The Mounties have another important message for Canadian companies: if they detect possible wrongdoing within their operation, tell the RCMP about it.

Firms now have added incentive do so, the Mounties say.