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Stung By The Sting – Smith & Wesson Resolves FCPA Scrutiny That Originated With The Africa Sting

By on July 29, 2014 in 2014 Enforcement Actions, Africa Sting, Amaro Goncalves, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Internal Controls, Military and Law Enforcement Products Industry, Nepal, Pakistan, SEC Enforcement Action, Smith and Wesson, Turkey

In January 2010 when highlighting the manufactured Africa Sting enforcement action, I predicted that the public company employing one of the defendants was likely going to be the subject of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act scrutiny not only based on the alleged conduct in the Africa Sting case, but also other conduct as well because the indicted individual was the “Vice President−Sales, International & U.S. Law Enforcement” for the company.  That company, it soon was learned, was Smith & Wesson and indeed in July 2010 Smith & Wesson disclosed its FCPA scrutiny (see here).

In an instructive example of a dynamic I highlight in my recent article “Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Ripples” (that is every instance of FCPA scrutiny has a point of entry – in other words, a set of facts that give rise to the scrutiny in the first place – and this point of entry is often the beginning of a long and expensive journey for the company under scrutiny as the company – to answer the frequently asked “where else” question and to demonstrate its cooperation – will conduct a world-wide review of its operations), yesterday the SEC announced this administrative FCPA enforcement action against Smith & Wesson.

The conduct has nothing to do with the manufactured (and failed) Africa Sting case, but does involve Smith & Wesson’s former Vice President of International Sales and another individual referred to as the Regional Director of International Sales.  The SEC states in summary fashion as follows.

“This matter concerns violations of the anti-bribery,books and records and internal controls provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) by Smith & Wesson. The violations took place from 2007 through early 2010, when a senior employee and other employees and representatives of Smith & Wesson made, authorized, and offered to make improper payments  and/or to provide gifts to foreign officials in an attempt to win contracts to sell firearm products to foreign military and law enforcement departments. During this period, Smith & Wesson’s international business was in its developing stages and accounted for approximately 10% of the company’s revenues. Smith & Wesson’s employees and representatives engaged in a systemic pattern of making, authorizing and offering bribes while seeking to expand the company’s overseas business.

The bribe payments were inaccurately recorded in Smith & Wesson’s books and records as legitimate sales commissions or other business expenses. Despite its push to make sales in new and high risk markets overseas, Smith & Wesson failed to establish an appropriate compliance program or devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls, which allowed the repeated improper offers and payments to continue undetected for years.”

According to the SEC:

“Smith & Wesson does not have any international subsidiaries and conducts its international business directly and through brokering agents. Much of Smith & Wesson’s international business involves the sale of firearms to foreign law enforcement and  military departments.  […] From 2007 through early 2010, as Smith & Wesson sought to break into international markets and increase sales, certain of the company’s employees and representatives engaged in a pervasive practice of making, authorizing and offering improper payments to foreign government officials as a means of obtaining or retaining international business. Although only one of the contracts was fulfilled before the unlawful activity was identified, company employees made or authorized the making of improper payments in connection with multiple ongoing or contemplated international sales.”

The SEC’s order contains factual allegations regarding the following countries: Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, Nepal and Bangladesh.

As to Pakistan, the SEC order states:

“In 2008, for example, Smith & Wesson retained a third-party agent in Pakistan to assist the company in obtaining a deal to sell firearms to a Pakistani police department. Even after the agent notified the company that he would be providing guns valued in excess of $11,000 to Pakistani police officials in order to obtain the deal, and that he would be making additional cash payments to the officials, the company authorized the agent to proceed with the deal. Smith & Wesson’s Vice President of International Sales and its Regional Director of International Sales authorized the sale of the guns to the agent to be used as improper gifts and authorized payment of the commissions to the agent, while knowing or consciously disregarding the fact that the agent would be providing the guns and part of his commissions to Pakistani officials as an inducement for them to award the tender to the company. Smith & Wesson ultimately sold 548 pistols to the Pakistani police for $210,980 and profited from the corrupt deal in the amount of $107,852.”

As to Indonesia, the SEC order states:

“In 2009, Smith & Wesson attempted to win a contract to sell firearms to a Indonesian police department by making improper payments to its third party agent in Indonesia, who indicated that part of the payment would be provided to the Indonesian police officials under the guise of legitimate firearm lab testing costs. On several occasions, Smith & Wesson’s third-party agent indicated that the Indonesian police expected Smith & Wesson to pay them additional amounts above the actual cost of testing the guns as an inducement to enter the contract. The agent later notified Smith & Wesson’s Regional Director of International Sales that the price of “testing” the guns had risen further. Smith & Wesson’s Vice President of International Sales and its Regional Director of International Sales authorized and made the inflated payment, but a deal was never consummated.”

As to Turkey, Nepal and Bangladesh, the SEC order states:

Similarly, Smith &Wesson made improper payments in 2009 to its third party agent in Turkey, who indicated that part of the payments would be provided to Turkish officials in an attempt to secure two deals in Turkey for sale of handcuffs to Turkish police and firearms to the Turkish military. Neither of these interactions resulted in the shipment of products, as Smith & Wesson was unsuccessful bidding for the first deal, while the latter deal was ultimately canceled. Similarly, Smith & Wesson authorized improper payments to third party agents who indicated that parts of these payments would be provided to foreign officials in Nepal and Bangladesh in unsuccessful attempts to secure sales contracts in those countries. Although these contemplated deals in Nepal and Bangladesh were never consummated in each case, the company had obtained or attempted to obtain the contract by using third party agents as a conduit for improper payments to government officials.”

The SEC’s order then states:

“Despite making it a high priority to grow sales in new and high risk markets overseas, the company failed to design and implement a system of internal controls or an appropriate FCPA compliance program reasonably designed to address the increased risks of its new business model. The company did not perform any anti-corruption risk assessment and conducted virtually no due diligence of its third-party agents regardless of the perceived level of corruption in the country in which Smith & Wesson was seeking to do business. Smith & Wesson  failed to devise adequate policies and procedures for commission payments, the use of samples for test and evaluation, gifts, and commission advances. The Vice President of International Sales had almost complete authority to conduct the company’s international business, including the sole ability to approve most commissions. Smith & Wesson’s FCPA policies and procedures, and its FCPA-related training and supervision also were inadequate. As a result of these compliance and internal controls failures, Smith & Wesson’s Vice President of International Sales and the Regional Director of International Sales were able to cause the company to pay and/or authorize improper payments in numerous countries around the globe for a period of several years.”

Under the headline “Remedial Measures,” the SEC order states:

“Smith & Wesson took prompt action to remediate its immediate FCPA issues, including: conducting an internal investigation, terminating its entire international sales staff; terminating pending international sales transactions; and re-evaluating the markets in which it sought international sales. In addition, Smith & Wesson implemented a series of significant measures to improve its internal controls and compliance processes, including: implementing new internal audit procedures to identify FCPA issues; creating more robust controls on payments, gifts, and other transactions in connection with international business activity; enhancing its FCPA compliance policies and procedures; and creating a Business Ethics and Compliance Committee.”

Based on the above findings, the SEC found that Smith & Wesson violated the FCPA’s anti-bribery provisions, books and records provisions and internal controls provisions.  As to the later, the SEC order states:

“Smith & Wesson failed to devise and maintain sufficient internal controls with respect to its international sales operations. While the company had a basic corporate policy prohibiting the payment of bribes, it failed to implement a reasonable system of controls to effectuate that policy. For example, Smith & Wesson failed to devise adequate policies and procedures with regard to commission payments, the use of samples for test and evaluation, gifts, and commission advances. Further, Smith & Wesson’s FCPA policies and procedures, and its FCPA-related training and supervision were inadequate.”

As highlighted in the SEC’s order, Smith & Wesson agreed to “report to the Commission staff on the status of [its] remediation and implementation of compliance measures at six-month to twelve-month intervals during a two-year term.” In addition, Smith & Wesson agreed to conduct an initial review – and two follow-up reviews – “setting forth a complete description of its remediation efforts to date, its proposals reasonably designed to improve the policies and procedures of Respondent for ensuring compliance with the FCPA and other applicable anticorruption laws, and the parameters of the subsequent reviews.”

In the SEC order, Smith & Wesson was ordered to cease and desist from future FCPA violations and agreed to pay $2,034,892 …  including $107,852 in disgorgement, $21,040 in prejudgment interest, and a civil monetary penalty of $1,906,000.”  In resolving its FCPA scrutiny, Smith & Wesson did not admit nor deny the SEC’s findings.

In this SEC release, Kara Brockmeyer (Chief of the SEC’s FCPA Unit) stated:

“This is a wake-up call for small and medium-size businesses that want to enter into high-risk markets and expand their international sales. When a company makes the strategic decision to sell its products overseas, it must ensure that the right internal controls are in place and operating.”

In this release, Smith & Wesson President and CEO James Debney stated:

“We are pleased to have concluded this matter with the SECand believe that the settlement we have agreed upon is in the best interests of Smith & Wesson and its shareholders.  Today’s announcement brings to conclusion a legacy issue for our company that commenced more than four years ago, and we are pleased to now finally put this matter behind us.”

John Pappalardo (Greenberg Traurig) represented Smith & Wesson.

Smith & Wesson’s stock price was down approximately .7% on the day of the SEC’s announcement of the enforcement action.

Game Over – DOJ Moves To Dismiss Africa Sting Cases

By on February 21, 2012 in Africa Sting, Amaro Goncalves, Andrew Bigelow, David Painter, FCPA Trials, Helmie Ashiblie, Israel Weisler, Jeana Mushriqui, John Benson Wier, John Mushriqui, Lee Allen Tolleson, Lee Wares, Mark Frederick Morales, Michael Sacks, Ofer Paz, Pankesh Patel, Saul Mishkin, Yochanan Cohen

In a filing this morning (see here), the DOJ has moved “to dismiss with prejudice the Superseding Indictment, and all underlying indictments, against the remaining defendants who are pending trial.”

The filing states as follows.  “The government has carefully considered (1) the outcomes of the first two trials in which, after extensive deliberations, the juries remained hung as to seven defendants and acquitted two defendants, and one defendant was acquitted on the sole charge against him pursuant to Fed. R. Crim. P. 29; (2) the impact of certain evidentiary and other legal rulings in the first two trials and the implications of those rulings for future trials, including with respect to Rule 404(b) and other knowledge and intent evidence the government proposed to introduce; and (3) the substantial governmental resources, as well as judicial, defense, and jury resources, that would be necessary to proceed with another four or more trials, given that the first two trials combined lasted approximately six months. In light of all of the foregoing, the government respectfully submits that continued prosecution of this case is not warranted under the circumstances.”

Today’s request for dismissal comes two weeks after the jury foreman in the second Africa Sting trial wrote this guest post on this site.

Smith & Wesson’s Recent Disclosures

By on July 2, 2010 in Africa Sting, Amaro Goncalves, Books and Records, Debarment, FCPA Investigative Costs, Internal Controls, Smith and Wesson

In January, Amaro Goncalves was one of the individuals indicted in the Africa Sting case.

Goncalves is described in the indictment as “the Vice President of Sales for Company A, a United States company headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. Company A was a world-wide leader in the design and manufacture of firearms, firearm safety/security products, rifles, firearms systems, and accessories. The shares of Company A were publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange.”

Company A is Smith & Wesson, a fact quickly acknowledged by the company in this press release.

I noted in January:

“At present, this case only involves individuals.

However, as indicated by Assistant Attorney General Breuer in yesterday’s DOJ release (here) the investigation is “ongoing” and you can bet that many of the companies which employ these individuals are “lawyering up” as past FCPA enforcement actions demonstrate that corporate enforcement actions or investigations often, but not always, precede or follow individual enforcement actions.”

Indeed, the companies indirectly implicated in the Africa Sting by their employees alleged conduct did “lawyer up.”

Because Smith & Wesson is a public company, the public is provided a better glimpse of how the Africa Sting case is affecting this company compared to the many other companies indirectly implicated – many of which are small, private businesses.

On June 30th, Smith & Wesson reported its Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Financial Results Ended April 30, 2010 (see here). The company release contains this paragraph:

“Operating expenses of $89.1 million, or 21.9% of sales, for fiscal 2010 decreased versus operating expenses of $170.5 million, or 50.9% of sales, for fiscal 2009. Excluding the impact of the impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and $9.7 million of operating expense at USR not contained in prior year results, operating expenses increased $7.1 million for the current fiscal year. This increase included $3.2 million in legal and consulting fees related to allegations against one of our employees under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).”

If nothing more, Amaro Goncalves is probably not on the short-list for employee of the month because of his alleged conduct.

Yesterday, Smith & Wesson filed its annual report (see here). The report contained the following:

“Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

On January 19, 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) unsealed indictments of 22 individuals from the law enforcement and military equipment industries, one of whom was our Vice President−Sales, International & U.S. Law Enforcement. We were not charged in the indictment. We also were served with a Grand Jury subpoena for the production of documents. We have always taken, and continue to take seriously, our obligation as an industry leader to foster a responsible and ethical culture, which includes adherence to laws and industry regulations in the United States and abroad. Although we are cooperating fully with the DOJ in this matter and have undertaken a comprehensive review of company policies and procedures, the DOJ may determine that we have violated FCPA laws. We cannot predict when this investigation will be completed or its outcome. There could be additional indictments of our company, our officers, or our employees. If the DOJ determines that we violated FCPA laws, or if our employee is convicted of FCPA violations, we may face sanctions, including significant civil and criminal penalties. In addition, we could be prevented from bidding on domestic military and government contracts, and could risk debarment by the U.S. Department of State. We also face increased legal expenses and could see an increase in the cost of doing international business. We could also see private civil litigation arising as a result of the outcome of the investigation. In addition, responding to the investigation may divert the time and attention of our management from normal business operations. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, the publicity surrounding the investigation and the potential risks associated with the investigation could negatively impact the perception of our company by investors, customers, and others.

SEC Investigation

Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2010, we received a letter from the staff of the SEC giving notice that the SEC is conducting a non−public, fact−finding inquiry to determine whether there have been any violations of the federal securities laws. It appears this civil inquiry was triggered in part by the DOJ investigation into potential FCPA violations. We have always taken, and continue to take seriously, our obligation as an industry leader to foster a responsible and ethical culture, which includes adherence to laws and industry regulations in the United States and abroad. Although we are cooperating fully with the SEC in this matter, the SEC may determine that we have violated federal securities laws. We cannot predict when this inquiry will be completed or its outcome. If the SEC determines that we have violated federal securities laws, we may face injunctive relief, disgorgement of ill−gotten gains, and sanctions, including fines and penalties, or may be forced to take corrective actions that could increase our costs or otherwise adversely affect our business, results of operations, and liquidity. We also face increased legal expenses and could see an increase in the cost of doing business. We could also see private civil litigation arising as a result of the outcome of this inquiry. In addition, responding to the inquiry may divert the time and attention of our management from normal business operations. Regardless of the outcome of the inquiry, the publicity surrounding the inquiry and the potential risks associated with the inquiry could negatively impact the perception of our company by investors, customers, and others.”

Smith & Wesson’s disclosure is hardly surprising. Anytime a company’s employee is criminally indicted for an FCPA violation, it is reasonable to assume that the DOJ will wonder “who knew what and when” and will seek to discover whether the employee’s alleged conduct is isolated or evidence of broader, more systemic conduct. When that employee is the “Vice President−Sales, International & U.S. Law Enforcement” it is virtually guaranteed that the DOJ will ask such questions.

It is unlikely that Smith & Wesson is the only company implicated in the Africa Sting case under investigation. However, as stated above, because Smith & Wesson is a public company, the public is provided a better glimpse of how the Africa Sting case is affecting this company compared to the many other companies implicated – many of which are small, private businesses. These companies are “domestic concerns” and thus subject to the FCPA, it’s just that FCPA inquiries of non-public companies generate less attention that FCPA inquiries of public companies.

Nor is it surprising that Smith & Wesson disclosed the existence of an SEC investigation.

I noted in January:

“Given that one of the individuals indicted is employed by a public-company issuer, the SEC may also be interested in that company from, at the very least, an FCPA books and records and internal control perspective.”

Even if Smith & Wesson is never charged with violating the FCPA’s antibribery provisions, it is likely that the company could face some exposure under the FCPA’s books and records and internal control provisions.

The SEC’s analysis would likely be as follows.

Goncalves, if the alleged conduct is true, no doubt, while a Smith & Wesson employee, made entries on the company’s books and records that did not accurately or fairly represent the transactions at issue. That, in and of itself, would be an FCPA books and records violation. Further, the SEC will take the position that if Smith & Wesson had effective internal controls, Goncalves could not have engaged in the conduct he is alleged to have engaged in. If he did, this in and of itself, is evidence that Smith & Wesson lacked effective internal controls.

A bit simplistic, yes. But this is perhaps how the Smith & Wesson inquiry will play out.

A final point.

Smith & Wesson is a supplier to numerous government customers and military installations. Under guidelines issued by the Office of Management and Budget, a person or firm found in violation of the FCPA may be barred from doing business with the Federal government. Add this issue to the list of issues to follow as the Smith & Wesson FCPA inquiry escalates. However, this sanction (to my knowledge) has never been used against an FCPA violator.

Africa Sting – The Charges

By on January 20, 2010 in 2010 Enforcement Actions, Africa Sting, Amaro Goncalves, Andrew Bigelow, Daniel Alvirez, David Painter, DOJ Enforcement Action, Haim Geri, Helmie Ashiblie, Individual Enforcement Action, Israel Weisler, Jeana Mushriqui, John Benson Wier, John Gregory Godsey, John Mushriqui, Jonathan Spiller, Lee Allen Tolleson, Lee Wares, Mark Frederick Morales, Michael Sacks, Military and Law Enforcement Products Industry, Ofer Paz, Pankesh Patel, R. Patrick Caldwell, Saul Mishkin, Stephen Gerard Giordanella, Yochanan Cohen

Set forth below is a summary of the 16 indictments announced yesterday charging 22 individuals in connection with the “Africa Sting.”

The Africa Sting case charges individuals across a wide business spectrum.

It involves individuals employed by large companies and small companies; private companies and publicly-traded companies. It involves Chief Executive Officers, Sales Managers, and even a General Counsel. It involves U.S. citizens, U.K. citizens, an Israeli citizen, and a pair of siblings. It involves agents and consultants, and of course, undercover FBI agents posing as representatives of an imaginary Minister of Defense of an African country.

At present, this case only involves individuals.

However, as indicated by Assistant Attorney General Breuer in yesterday’s DOJ release (here) the investigation is “ongoing” and you can bet that many of the companies which employ these individuals are “lawyering up” as past FCPA enforcement actions demonstrate the corporate enforcement actions or investigations often, but not always, precede or follow individual enforcement actions.

As to any potential corporate enforcement action, the websites of several of the companies employing the indicted individuals make specific reference to the company being a U.S. General Services Administration vendor. “Under guidelines issued by the Office of Management and Budget, a person or firm found in violation of the FCPA may be barred from doing business with the Federal government.” (see here).

However, this sanction (to my knowledge) has never been used against an FCPA violator – not even Siemens (see here). Thus, should corporate enforcement actions ensue, this will be an interesting issue to follow.

Given that one of the individuals indicted is employed by a public-company issuer, the SEC may also be interested in that company from, at the very least, an FCPA books and records and internal control perspective.

Given the number of individuals indicted, and the motivations for pleading under the Sentencing Guidelines, it would seem inevitable that one or more individuals will soon “flip” and cooperate with the government thereby potentially complicating the defenses of the remaining individuals.

All charges have been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and assigned to Judge Richard J. Leon (see here).

As evident below, each of the indictments generally follow the same template, allege the core conduct, and charge the same offenses, including conspiracy to violate the FCPA and substantive FCPA violations.

At present, the indictments are only allegations and the individuals are presumed innocent. There is, of course, a very human event in this case and the lives of the indicted individuals (and countless more when you include family and friends) were turned upside down this week.

Stay tuned for a future post as to the “questions” raised by these indictments.

Daniel Alvirez and Lee Allen Tolleson

Alvirez (see here for his background) is described in the indictment as “the President of Company A, an Arkansas company based in Bull Shoals, Arkansas, that manufactured and sold law enforcement and military equipment.”

The company is ALS Technologies, Inc. (see here for its background and here for the company’s press releases on this issue).

According to the indictment, Tolleson “was the Director of Acquisitions and Logistics.”

According to the indictment, between approximately May 2009 – December 2009, Alvirez and Tolleson “would participate in meetings and have discussions” in which Individual 1 (a “business associate of Alvirez and Tolleson” (as well as most the other indicted individuals) and an “former Vice President of International Sales for a company that manufactured and supplied law enforcement and military equipment to law enforcement and military customers around the world”) “said that a friend of his, who was a self-employed sales agent” was tasked by the Minister of Defense of an African country “with obtaining various defense articles for outfitting” the country’s presidential guard.

According to the indictment, “in reality, the self-employed sales agent” was an undercover FBI special agent “posing as a representative of the Minister of Defense” of the African country.

According to the indictment, an object of the scheme was for Alvirez and Tolleson to obtain and attempt to obtain business for their company and themselves by making corrupt payments to the “sales agent” (the undercover FBI agent) who was “consulting” on a sale by the company to the Minister of Defense.

Pursuant to this arrangement, the indictment alleges that Aliverz and Tolleson would agree to pay the “sales agent” “a 20% ‘commission’ in connection with two contract to sell grenades and grenade launchers to the Minister of Defense” “knowing that half of the ‘commission’ was intended to be paid as a bribe to the Minister of Defense” and “half was intended to be split between” Individual 1 and the “sales agent” “as a fee for their corrupt services.”

According to the indictment, money for these payments would be generated through inflating the true price of the grenades and grenade launchers by 20%.

As part of the scheme, the indictment alleges that Alvirez and Tolleson would pay this “commission” into the “sales agent” U.S. bank account “knowing that half of the commission was intended to be paid outside of the United States as a bribe to the Minister of Defense.”

According to the indictment, the business deal was worth approximately $15 million and “would involve several suppliers.” The indictment alleges that on or about May 13, 2009, Alvirez and Tolleson agreed to proceed with the deal per the above-described arrangements and that Alvirez and Tolleson then proceeded to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furtherance of the deal.

The indictment alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Alvirez and Tolleson were told by another FBI special agent “posing as a procurement officer” for the African country’s Minister of Defense and “who purportedly reported directly to the Minister of Defense” (the Second FBI Agent) that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the grenade launchers” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI special agent then allegedly told Alvirez and Tolleson “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Alvirez and Tolleson then executed two copies “of the corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Alvirez and Tolleson with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and two substantive FCPA violations.

Helmie Ashiblie

Ashiblie is described in the indictment as the “Vice President and Founder of Company A, a company that was based in Woodbridge, Virginia, and was in the business of supplying tactical bags and other security-related articles for law enforcement agencies and governments worldwide.”

That company (see here) is i-Shot, Inc.

The allegations against Ashiblie are substantively similar to the above allegations against Alvirez and Tolleson, but involved two contracts to sell “tactical bags”. The indictment alleges that Ashiblie agreed to proceed with the deal and that he then proceeded between August – November 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furtherance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Ashiblie was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the tactical bags” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Ashiblie “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Ashiblie then executed an additional purchase agreement and sent “thirteen tactical bags for the purpose of having the tactical bags forwarded” to the African country.

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Ashiblie with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and four substantive FCPA violations.

Ofer Paz

Paz is described in the indictment as a citizen of Israel and the “President and Chief Executive Officer of Company A, an Israel-based company that acts as a sales agent for companies in the law enforcement and military products industries.”

That company is M. Paz Logistics Ltd. (see here).

The allegations against Paz are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “explosives detection kits.” The indictment alleges that Paz agreed to proceed with the deal and that he then proceeded between May – September 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furtherance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Paz was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the explosives detection kits” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Paz “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Paz then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Paz with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and three substantive FCPA violations.

Andrew Bigelow

Bigelow is described in the indictment as the “Managing Partner and Director of Government Programs for Company A, a company that was based in Sarasota, Florida, and was in the business of selling machine guns, grenade launchers, and other small arms and accessories.”

That company has been identified in media reports as The Gunsearch.com LLC (see here).

The allegations against Bigelow are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “M4 carbine rifles.” The indictment alleges that Bigelow agreed to proceed with the deal and that he then proceeded between May – September 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Bigelow was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the M4 rifles” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Bigelow “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Bigelow then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Bigelow with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and two substantive FCPA violations.

R. Patrick Caldwell and Stephen Gerard Giordanella

Caldwell is described in the indictment as the former “Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Company A, a Florida corporation headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, that designed and manufactured concealable and tactical body armor.” According to the indictment, in September 2009, “Caldwell was named Chief Executive Officer of Company A.”

That company is Protective Products of America, Inc. (see here) and (here) for Caldwell’s profile. Of note, Caldwell formerly “served as Deputy Assistant Director, Office of Protective Operations, U.S. Secret Service.”

According to the indictment, Giordanella “was the Chief Executive” of Protective Products “until his resignation on or about March 18, 2009” and from then until at least December 2, 2009 he was a “consultant” for the company.

The allegations against Caldwell and Giordanella are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “body armor plates” The indictment alleges that Caldwell and Giordanella agreed to proceed with the deal and that they then proceeded between May – September 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Caldwell was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the body armor plates” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Caldwell “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Caldwell then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Caldwell and Giordanella with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA. Caldwell is additionally charged with two substantive FCPA violations.

Haim Geri

Geri is described in the indictment as “the President of Company A, a company based in North Miami Beach, Florida, that serves as a sales agent for companies in the law enforcement and military products industries.”

That company appears to be M.G.S. International Consulting, Inc.

The allegations against Geri are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “the Corner Shot – a special purpose gun accessory that can be used to observe and shoot targets around a corner.” The indictment alleges that Geri agreed to proceed with the deal and that he then proceeded between May – June 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Geri was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the Corner Shot units” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Geri “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Geri then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Geri with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and two substantive FCPA violations.

Saul Mishkin

Mishkin is described in the indictment as “the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Company A, a Florida company headquartered in Aventura, Florida, that sold law enforcement and military equipment.”

That company appears to be International Security and Defence Systems (see here).

The allegations against Mishkin are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “riot control suits.” The indictment alleges that Mishkin agreed to proceed with the deal and that he then proceeded between May – September 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Mishkin was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the riot control suits” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Mishkin “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Mishkin then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

The Mishkin indictment contains the additional allegation that he was “advised by his attorney that the deal could violate the laws of the United States.” The indictment further alleges that Mishkin then tried to sell the riot control suits indirectly through Individual 1’s company and also contains the allegation that Mishkin also tried to sell “Ready to Eat Meal kits” to Individual 1 pursuant to the same original deal structure even though Mishkin “previously had been advised by his attorney that such a deal could violate the laws of the United States.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Mishkin with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and one substantive FCPA violations.

John Mushriqui and Jeana Mushriqui

John Mushriqui is described in the indictment as “the owner and Director of International Development for Company A, a Pennsylvania company [located in Upper Darby] that was in the business of manufacturing and exporting bulletproof vests and other law enforcement and military equipment.”

Jeana Mushriqui is described as “the General Counsel and United States manager of Company A and the sister of John Mushriqui.”

That company is Mushriqui Consulting LLC (see here).

The allegations against the Mushriquis are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “bulletproof vests.” The indictment alleges that Mushriquis agreed to proceed with the deal and that they then proceeded between May – September 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, the Mushriquis were also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with bulletproof vests” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told the Mushriquis “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, the Mushriquis then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges the Mushriquis with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and five substantive FCPA violations.

Jonathan Spiller

Spiller is described in the indictment as the “owner and President of Company A, a Florida company that was in the business of providing consulting services for companies in the law enforcement and military equipment industries.” According to the indictment, “Spiller was also the owner and manager of Company B, a Florida company that was in the business of marketing and selling law enforcement and military equipment. Company A and B were both located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.”

The allegations against Spiller are substantively similar, but involved contracts to sell “rifle-mounted cameras and tactical vehicles.” The indictment alleges that Spiller agreed to proceed with the deal and that he then proceeded between May – September 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Spiller was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased” with the equipment sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Spiller “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Spiller then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Spiller with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and two substantive FCPA violations.

John Benson Wier III

Wier is described in the indictment as the “President of Company A, a Florida company headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, that sold tactical and ballistic equipment.”

That company is SRT Supply Inc. (see here).

The allegations against Wier are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “laser grips, which are laser sights for handguns.” The indictment alleges that Wier agreed to proceed with the deal and that he then proceeded between May – June 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Wier was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the laser grips” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Wier “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Wier then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges the Wier with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and two substantive FCPA violations.

Amaro Goncalves

Goncalves is described in the indictment as “the Vice President of Sales for Company A, a United States company headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. Company A was a world-wide leader in the design and manufacture of firearms, firearm safety/security products, rifles, firearms systems, and accessories. The shares of Company A were publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange.”

That company is Smith and Wesson Holding Corporation (see here and here for its press release).

The allegations against Goncalves are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “pistols.” The indictment alleges that Goncalves agreed to proceed with the deal and that he then proceeded between May – September 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 6, 2009, Goncalves was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the pistols” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI special agent then allegedly told Goncalves “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Goncalves then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Goncalves with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and three substantive FCPA violations.

Pankesh Patel

Patel is described in the indictment as a United Kingdom citizen and the “Managing Director of Company A, a United Kingdom company that acts as a sales agent for companies in the law enforcement and military products industries.”

The allegations against Patel are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “uniforms.” The indictment alleges that Patel agreed to proceed with the deal and that he then proceeded between May – September 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Goncalves was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the uniforms” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Patel “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Patel then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Patel with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and two substantive FCPA violations.

John Gregory Godsey and Mark Frederick Morales

Godsey is described in the indictment as “the owner of Company A, a Georgia company based in Decatur, Georgia, that was in the business of selling ammunition and other law enforcement and military equipment.” Morales is described as “a busines associate of Godsey” who “worked with him on deals involving Company A.”

The allegations against Godsey and Morales are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “ammunition.” The indictment alleges that Godsey and Morales agreed to proceed with the deal and that they then proceeded between May – September 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Godsey and Morales were also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the ammunition” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Godsey and Morales “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Godsey then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Godsey and Morales with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and two substantive FCPA violations.

David Painter and Lee Wares

Painter is described in the indictment as a United Kingdom citizen and “the Chairman of Subsidiary A, a company based in the United Kingdom that was in the business of marketing armored vehicles.” Wares is also described as a United Kingdom citizen and the “Director of Subsidiary A.”

According to the indictment, “the parent company of Subsidiary A” is a company based in Cincinnati, Ohio that “produces security products.”

The allegations against Painter and Ware are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “night vision goggles (NVGs) and armored vehicles.” The indictment alleges that Painter and Ware agreed to proceed with the deal and that they then proceeded between May – September 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Painter and Ware were also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the NVGs” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Painter and Ware “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Painter and Ware then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Painter and Ware with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and three substantive FCPA violations.

Israel Weisler and Michael Sacks

Weisler is described in the indictment as an “owner and Chief Executive Officer of Company A, a Kentucky company that was in the business of designing, manufacturing, and selling armor products, including body armor. Company A’s business was located in Stearns, Kentucky.” Sacks, a citizen of the United Kingdom, is described as a “co-owner and co-Chief Executive Officer of Company A.”

That company is U.S. Cavalry Inc. (see here). Of note, according to the company’s website, is that the company “set upon a quest to earn a General Services Administration Contract to ease the procurement process for our customers at GSA-authorized federal, military and state agencies. The GSA Contract allows these customers to ensure they pay a fair, predetermined price for the equipment they need.”

The allegations against Weisler and Sacks are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “body armor.” The indictment alleges that Weisler and Sacks agreed to proceed with the deal and that they then proceeded between May – June 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Weisler and Sacks were also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the body armor” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI agent then allegedly told Weisler and Sacks “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Weisler and Sacks then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Weisler and Sacks with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and four substantive FCPA violations.

Yochanan Cohen

Cohen is described in the indictment as the “Chief Executive Officer of Company A, a company based in San Francisco, California, that was in the business of manufacturing security equipment, including body armor and hard armor ballistic plates.”

That company is Highcom Security Inc. (see here). The company’s website indicates that it is a certified General Services Administrator vendor.

The allegations against Cohen are substantively similar, but involved two contracts to sell “Level IV ballistic plates, which is a type of body armor.” The indictment alleges that Cohen agreed to proceed with the deal and that he then proceeded between May – August 2009 to inflate the price quotations, wire the commission, and otherwise take action in furterance of the deal.

The indictment also alleges that on or about October 5, 2009, Cohen was also told by the Second FBI Agent that the “Minister of Defense was pleased with the ballistic plates” sent and the “commission the Minister of Defense had received.” The FBI special agent then allegedly told Cohen “that the Minister of Defense had given his approval to proceed” with the second phase of the deal. According to the indictment, Cohen then executed the “corrupt purchase agreement.”

Based on this core conduct, the indictment charges Cohen with, among other things, conspiracy to violate the FCPA and three substantive FCPA violations.

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