MyHHR News Locations EN | FR Practices People Careers Culture Practices People News View All Results > Multilateral Development Bank Investigations and Sanctions Overview Experience People Hughes Hubbard represents companies and individuals around the world in investigations and sanctions proceedings by Multilateral Development Banks (“MDBs”) such as the World Bank Group (WBG), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Asian Development Bank (AsDB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). MDBs are aggressive in investigating and pursuing sanctions for misconduct such as fraud, corruption, or collusion on the projects the MDB funds. MDB sanctions can be crippling for companies working in the developing world and can have financial and reputational impacts that can go far beyond the imposed sanction. Defending and resolving these matters requires deep knowledge of the MDB sanctions process and the strategies best suited to each matter. Hughes Hubbard’s breadth and depth of experience and history of success in all aspects of MDB investigations and sanctions proceedings is unmatched. We have assisted dozens of clients in the resolution of these matters, from audits, investigations, and Show Cause letter responses, to formal sanctions proceedings. We also have deep experience with post-sanction remediation and release efforts. We frequently serve as “buffer counsel” between clients and compliance monitors, and we have served numerous times as compliance monitors jointly appointed by MDBs and companies subject to compliance obligations. We draw on this comprehensive knowledge to guide clients through every step of the sanctions process from proactive compliance, through notice, resolution, and remediation of alleged violations. In addition to skilled litigators, our team includes former investigators and policy makers at multiple MDBs. While at the WBG, one member of our team served as the first integrity compliance officer (ICO), and was a principal draftsman of the WBG's Integrity Compliance Guidelines. Our diverse team and intimate knowledge of the unique practices and processes of each MDB allows us to tailor and execute efficient and effective strategies for our clients in these critical matters. For further information, please contact: Michael A. DeBernardis Co-Chair Kevin T. Abikoff Co-Chair MDB Investigations and Sanctions Matters Represented a Chinese state-owned infrastructure company in contested proceedings before the World Bank Group Sanctions Board; secured immediate termination of suspension and proceedings. Sanctions Board Decision No. 88 (Sanctions Case No. 372) issued on June 29, 2016 Represented a French consulting company and individual in contested proceedings before the World Bank Group Sanctions Board; obtained acquittal on all charges by the Sanctions Board, reversing decision of the Office of Suspension and Debarment, and terminating suspension and proceedings. Sanctions Board Decision No. 81 (Sanctions Case No. 215) issued on September 29, 2015 Represented a Norwegian consulting engineering company in contested proceeding before the World Bank Group Sanctions Board; secured immediate termination of suspension and proceedings. Sanctions Board Decision No. 63 (Sanctions Cases No. 119 and No. 124) issued January 31, 2014 Represented a “Central” Chinese state-owned enterprise in connection with Negotiated Settlement Agreement with the AfDB related to allegations of fraud and collusion. Represented a French infrastructure company in connection with Negotiated Resolution Agreement with the WBG related to misconduct on a WBG-financed project in Zambia. Represented a Spanish construction company in connection with an investigation by the AfDB related to fraud and corruption. Represented a Chinese state-owned infrastructure company in connection with a sanctions investigation by the AfDB involving alleged sanctionable practices related to projects in Africa. Represented a Chinese design and engineering company in connection with an AsDB investigation and allegations of misconduct; secured resolution of the matter that involved no period of debarment. Represented an executive of a company cooperating with a WBG investigation for sanctionable practices; matter was resolved without charges against the executive. Post-Sanction Release and Monitorship Experience Represented a Chinese SOE subject to a conditional debarment by an MDB; assisted the company in meeting cooperation and compliance obligations under its Negotiated Settlement Agreement; coordinated with independent compliance monitor and assisted company in obtaining early release from debarment. Serving as the independent compliance monitor for a Chinese state-owned construction enterprise in connection with a debarment and sanction by the WBG. Represented large hydropower company subject to conditional non-debarment by an MDB; assisted the company in meeting cooperation and compliance obligations under the Negotiated Settlement Agreement; coordinated with independent compliance monitor and assisted company in obtaining early release from its conditional non-debarment. Serving as the independent integrity compliance consultant jointly appointed by a Chinese company and an MDB in connection with the company’s three-year debarment. Serving as an independent integrity compliance expert to assess a debarred company’s bidding controls in connection with a WBG debarment. Represented French-based multinational hydropower company in enhancing its integrity compliance program and coordinating with the independent compliance monitor appointed in connection with a WBG debarment; assisted company in obtaining release from debarment and full reinstatement to eligibility. Kevin T. Abikoff Co-Chair Michael A. DeBernardis Co-Chair Benjamin Britz Partner Anne Hukkelaas Gaustad Partner Michael H. Huneke Partner Christine Kang Partner Laura N. Perkins Partner Bryan J. Sillaman Partner Tamara Kraljic Counsel Michael R. Silverman Senior Counsel Ayoka Akinosi Associate Jan Dunin-Wasowicz Associate Samuel Salyer Associate Jonathan Zygielbaum Associate Jiaxing Hao International Specialist Firm Named to 2021 Global Investigations Review (GIR) 100 Client Advisories Recent Recognitions for Hughes Hubbard’s Anti-Corruption and Internal Investigations Group Client Advisories | Awards Preeminent Chinese Practitioner Christine Kang Joins Hughes Hubbard Partnership With Practice to Focus on Investigations, Anti-Corruption, Sanctions and International Arbitration News & Events | People Hughes Hubbard欢迎顶尖中国律师康乂作为合伙人加盟 推动多边开发银行调查合规以及国际仲裁业务的进一步发展 News & Events | People Download the MDB Sanctions and Investigations Primer Related Areas of Focus Anti-Corruption & Internal Investigations Also of Interest:Private EquityPrivate Funds and Asset ManagementReal Estate Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP Copyright 2021 Privacy Policy & Notice Cookie Policy Legal Notices & Methodologies Attorney Advertising Lehman Contact Locations New York City Kansas City Los Angeles Miami Paris Rio de Janeiro* Tokyo Washington, D.C. *In cooperation with Saud Advogados Recent News Firm Wins Critical Ruling for Syracuse Mountains in PDVSA Bond Case HHR Wins 2nd Circuit Appeal Affirming Dismissal of Disability Discrimination Suit Careers Associate Recruiting Working At HHR Available Positions Culture About Us Diversity Pro Bono Contact By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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