January 13, 2017

Chilean chemicals and mining company Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) agreed to pay a criminal penalty of more than $15 million in connection with payments to politically-connected individuals in Chile in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. According to the government, SQM made donations to dozens of foundations controlled by or closely tied to Chilean politicians with influence over the government’s mining plans in Chile, a key segment of SQM’s business. SQM also admitted to falsifying its books and records to conceal payments to vendors associated with politicians, logging them as consulting and professional services SQM never received. In total, SQM admitted having paid nearly $15 million between 2008 and 2015 to vendors despite having no evidence any goods or services were actually received. SQM also agreed to pay $15 million to settle related charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for a total payment of $30 million. DOJ

Tagged in: FCPA,