Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

EU, Japan conclude world's largest free-trade agreement |  The Globe and Mail

"The European Union and Japan concluded negotiations on a free trade deal to create the world's largest open economic area, signalling their rejection of the more protectionist stance of U.S. President Donald Trump." (Click here for the article) - Japan, Europe

EU to force firms to reveal true owners in wake of Panama Papers |  The Guardian

"Companies across the EU will be forced to disclose their true owners under new legislation prompted by the release of the Panama Papers. Anti-corruption campaigners applauded the agreement as a major step in the fight against tax evasion and money laundering, but expressed disappointment that trusts will mostly escape scrutiny." (Click here for the article) - Europe

Japan unilaterally sanctions North Korea |  European Sanctions

"Japan has imposed unilateral sanctions (asset freezes) against 19 North Korean entities and individuals in response to the state’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.  It is reported that Korean Computer Center is among the sanctioned entities." (Click here for the article) - Japan, N. Korea

Sessions vows to enforce an anti-bribery law Trump ridiculed |  The New York Times

"Attorney General Jeff Sessions vowed on Monday that the Trump administration would vigorously prosecute white-collar crime amid concerns that such cases would fall by the wayside in favor of higher-profile priorities like violent crime and illegal immigration." (Click here for the article) - US

Whistleblowers' lawsuit leads to massive medical fraud settlement |  The Charlotte Observer

"What started seven years ago as a whistleblower lawsuit filed by two Charlotte-area doctors ended Tuesday with two emergency room physicians groups paying federal and state governments more than $33 million to avoid going to court." (Click here for the article) - US

Eni and Shell on trial in Italy over Nigeria 'corruption' |  BBC News

"Two global oil giants, Eni and Shell, are to stand trial in Italy over allegations of corruption in Nigeria.  The case involves the purchase of an offshore oil block in Nigeria for $1.3bn in 2011" (Click here for the article) - US, Italy, Nigeria

GDPR rules put privacy, anti-bribery enforcement on collision course |  WSJ

"An article in the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation could complicate anti-bribery efforts for organizations operating in the European Union." (Click here for the article) - Europe