Misconduct: low 0 · medium 0 · high 4
Remediation: low 0 · medium 0 · high 0ⓘ cap: 25%
Polish healthcare bribery
In 2013, Philips agreed to pay more than $4.5 million to settle SEC Foreign Corrupt Practices Act charges concerning misconduct by its Polish healthcare subsidiary.
According to the SEC, from 1999 through 2007, employees of Philips Poland made improper payments to officials at Polish public healthcare facilities in connection with at least 30 public tenders for medical equipment. Philips employees allegedly worked with officials to shape tender specifications around Philips products, increasing the likelihood that Philips would win the contracts. Payments to officials were then linked to successful tenders.
The SEC found that Philips' books and records did not accurately reflect the transactions and that the company lacked sufficient internal accounting controls over the subsidiary. Philips consented to the settlement without admitting or denying the SEC's findings.
This is a separate historical corruption case from Philips' later China tender misconduct.
Sources:
SEC enforcement release — Philips Electronics https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/administrative-proceedings/34-69327-s?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://antykorupcja.gov.pl/download/4/12603/RaportKE.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
European Commission healthcare corruption study discussing the Philips Poland case
Philips Paid $62 Million to Settle SEC Charges Over China Tender Misconduct
In May 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Koninklijke Philips N.V. agreed to pay more than $62 million to resolve Foreign Corrupt Practices Act-related charges concerning its medical-equipment business in China.
The SEC found that between 2014 and 2019, Philips China employees, distributors and sub-dealers engaged in improper conduct intended to influence government hospital officials and increase the likelihood that Philips products would win public tenders. This included influencing tender specifications to favor Philips products and preparing additional bids involving competitors' products to create the appearance of legitimate competitive tenders. The SEC also identified distributor discounts that created risks that excessive margins could fund improper payments to government employees.
Philips agreed to approximately $41.1 million in disgorgement, $6.0 million in prejudgment interest and a $15 million civil penalty. Philips settled without admitting or denying the SEC's findings and said it had cooperated, investigated the matter and taken remedial measures.
Sources:
SEC — Philips to Pay More Than $62 Million to Settle FCPA Charges
Philips statement on SEC settlement