A dual citizen of the U.S. and Ghana,Asante Kwaku Berko is set to appear in the Eastern District of New York with charges of bribery.
According to court documents, the alleged activities took place from December 2014 to March 2017, during which Berko, who served as an executive director at a U.S. investment banking subsidiary, reportedly engaged in bribery and money laundering.
Furthermore, Berko was part of a team negotiating a significant deal between a Turkish energy company and Ghana, aimed at constructing and financing a power plant.
In this capacity, he allegedly conspired with others to pay over $70,000 in bribes to Ghanaian officials in order to win the contract.
As a result of these actions, prosecutors have charged Berko with conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), as well as directly violating the FCPA and conspiring to commit money laundering.
If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for money laundering and five years for each FCPA-related charge.
In addition, the case announced by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, and FBI Executive Assistant Director Michael Nordwall, highlighting the significance of this investigation.
Notably, the FBI’s International Corruption Unit is actively investigating the matter. The prosecution team consists of Trial Attorney Elina A. Rubin-Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alixandra Smith, Tara McGrath, and Jessica Weigel. Moreover, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, in collaboration with UK and U.S. authorities, facilitated Berko’s arrest and extradition.
Finally, the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section oversees FCPA matters and is responsible for handling the prosecution.
For further information about FCPA enforcement, www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Source:Citinewsroom
