Rolls-Royce - cooperation not confession unlocks DPA

Alexandra Underwood (+44 (0)207 861 4666, alexandra.underwood@fieldfisher.com) is a partner in the Fraud and Corporate Crime team at Fieldfisher LLP.

The Serious Fraud Office has entered into a significant Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with Rolls-Royce PLC. [1] Approved in principle by Sir Brian Leveson QC on 16 January 2017, he confirmed the DPA in final form the very next day. The agreement follows the SFO’s four-year investigation into bribery and corruption at Rolls-Royce, an investigation which continues into the conduct of individuals and intermediary companies involved in the wrongdoing.