Business Criminal Law
FN & PARTNERS assists companies and executives confronted with business criminal law issues, both in advisory and defence matters.
Criminal risk is part of business life: misuse of company assets, fraud, breach of trust, forgery, corruption, money laundering, and tax, customs or employment offences. OHADA law defines the offences specific to company law, while Chadian law sets the penalties. The company itself may also be held liable, alongside its directors.
FN & PARTNERS acts on both sides: defending directors, companies and organisations facing allegations, and assisting those who are victims of an offence and seek compensation. The firm recommends being consulted from the very first summons, because statements made at the start of proceedings weigh on everything that follows.
Issues We Handle
- Preventing criminal law risk in economic activity and implementing compliance mechanisms
- Assistance during investigations, hearings and criminal proceedings
- Defence of executives and legal entities, including NGOs
- Filing complaints and bringing civil party actions to obtain redress for harm suffered
- Economic and financial offences
Clients We Serve
- Companies
- Executives
- Managers and operational staff
- NGOs and their executives or staff
How We Work
Prevention
Risk mapping, delegations of authority, internal procedures, training for executives and whistleblowing arrangements.
Investigation stage
Assistance during interviews, police custody, searches and confrontations; requests for investigative measures and follow-up of the judicial investigation.
Defence at trial
Preparing the case, oral argument before the trial courts and appeals.
Action by victims
Complaint, civil-party application, asset-preservation measures and recovery of damages.
Our Approach
A rigorous defence built on a thorough analysis of the file and the related economic stakes.
Legal Framework
- Chad’s Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure (2017)
- Criminal provisions of the OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Companies
- CEMAC regulation on the prevention and suppression of money laundering and terrorist financing
- Chadian legislation on preventing and combating corruption
- United Nations and African Union conventions against corruption
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, early involvement is recommended as soon as a criminal law risk is identified.
A director answers for offences committed within the company where he or she personally took part or failed in the duty of supervision. A valid delegation of authority, given to a competent person with the necessary means, can transfer that liability.
Inform your lawyer without delay, attend, sign nothing without reading it again and hand over no documents without advice. Having a lawyer involved from this stage makes it possible to prepare the interview and gauge what is at stake.
A complaint and a civil-party application make it possible to claim compensation. Actual recovery depends on how quickly protective measures are taken and on the offender’s solvency: swift action is needed.
This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation calls for specific analysis: please contact the firm before making any decision.
Let’s discuss your situation
A first conversation helps define your need and outline the options available.
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