US narrows scope of foreign anti-bribery law following temporary enforcement pause

In early 2025, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump temporarily suspended enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a statute established nearly 50 years ago to prohibit American citizens and companies from bribing foreign officials to gain business advantages.

Following the six-month pause, enforcement of the anti-bribery law was reinstated, but the U.S. Department of Justice was directed to narrow the scope of its foreign corruption investigations. The policy adjustment marks a shift in how the federal government targets international corporate misconduct.

Sources: OCCRP.