Las Vegas gambling mogul being investigated for FCPA violations

In May of this year in response to reports that Hollywood studios made illegal payments to Chinese officials, I wrote, "Second thing you need to do, especially if you're an American expat working in China - Read up on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and make sure not to run afoul."

Apparently Las Vegas gambling mogal Sheldon Adelson and his Sands China company didn't read up, because they're being investigated by both the US Department of Justice and the SEC for possible violations of this act. 

The U.S. government and the company itself are also conducting investigations into at least three transactions in China, the paper reported, citing documents from the audit committee of the Sands board of directors.

The transactions include a $50 million payment for real estate for the Adelson Center, a business development operation that was never opened. Also under scrutiny is Sand's sponsorship of a Chinese basketball team and a contract for ferry service between Macau and Hong Kong, the paper said.

I repeat: If you're an American expat, don't knowingly bribe officials or business associates with gifts or money. Yes, bribes are often an aspect of Chinese business culture but you better not have any knowledge of your Chinese workmates' potential activities in this area. Earmuffs and blindfolds. 

SEC investigating Hollywood studios for illegal payments to Chinese officials

Not sure how this passed under my radar, but from the New York Times:

The Securities and Exchange Commission has begun an investigation into whether some of Hollywood’s biggest movie studios have made illegal payments to officials in China to gain the right to film and show movies there, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation.

First thing you need to do - Read Dan Harris' Chinalawblog post about this situation. 

Second thing you need to do, especially if you're an American expat working in China - Read up on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and make sure not to run afoul.