Corruption in Mexico

Mexico is an important trading partner with the United States.  It attracts a lot of foreign investment by United States companies. 

Corruption risks are substantial and getting worse.  Mexico is ranked 100 out of 182 countries by the Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.  It has been moving down the list in the last five years.

FCPA prosecutors have focused on Mexico operations.  In the last ten years, they have prosecuted ten companies for bribery in Mexico (and other countries).  Some of the significant individual prosecutions have focused on bribery in Mexico, including the Lindsey case which was reversed for prosecutorial misconduct. 

United States law enforcement has long-standing relationships with Mexican law enforcement officials.  Relying on this relationship, prosecutors are able to gather evidence in Mexico relatively quickly because of established cooperation procedures. 

Corruption in Mexico exists in many areas of the government.  Local police and government officials, as well as managers and executives at state-owned enterprises, all have a reputation for corrupt practices.  When it comes to business activities and regulation, Mexico’s public hospitals, health and food safety inspectors have been identified in enforcement actions.  In recent enforcement actions, Mexican officials in the customs, veterinary, public hospitals, and zoning areas have been identified as demanding and receiving bribes.