September 13, 2011
Administrative clerk Munir Yakub Patel has become the first person to be charged under the newly enforced Bribery Act, less than three months after the ‘biggest shake up in UK legislation’ was introduced by law.
The Act came into force on 1 July to ramp up anti-corruption laws and clearly define what constitutes bribery in UK business. And Munir Yakub Patel has been charged with breaching Section 2 of the Bribery Act, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said, which rules it is an offence if a person requests, agrees to receive, or accepts an advantage, financial or otherwise, with the intention that they or someone else perform a 'relevant function or activity' improperly.
Mr Patel, who was employed as an administrative clerk at Redbridge Magistrates’ Court in London, is charged with "requesting and receiving a bribe intending to improperly perform his functions," the CPS said.
"It is alleged that Patel promised an individual summonsed for a motoring offence that he could influence the course of criminal proceedings in exchange for £500, on 1 August 2011," Gaon Hart, Reviewing Lawyer for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said in a statement.
“I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence to charge Munir Patel with requesting and receiving a bribe on 1 August 2011 intending to improperly perform his functions. Patel has already been charged with misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice. He still faces these charges, which relate to other alleged misconduct during his employment,” Hart said.
Under the Act, companies can be found responsible for bribery carried out by its employees without its knowledge or consent, whilst a new offence of failure to prevent bribery by people working for or on behalf of a business has been introduced.
However, companies can escape liability if they show that they have 'adequate procedures' designed to prevent bribery in place.
Under the Act, the maximum penalty for individuals found guilty of bribery is ten years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
For more on the Bribery Act and its consequences, head to www.ukbriberyact2010.co.uk
