Siemens AG (bribery scandal)

The Siemens AG bribery scandal involved the German multinational’s use of illegal payments to secure contracts and influence decisions worldwide. Between 2008 and 2011, Siemens systematically paid bribes to government officials, business partners, and intermediaries to gain unfair advantages. The company’s misconduct was uncovered through investigations, leading to fines of over €1.6 billion and criminal charges against executives. Siemens then took steps to reform its compliance systems. This scandal highlighted the risks of unethical practices in global business and the importance of strong internal controls to prevent corruption.