Today, the RCMP National Division Sensitive and International Investigations section laid charges against Mr. Damodar Arapakota for bribing a public official from Botswana under section 3(1) of the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. It is alleged that Mr. Arapakota, a former executive from IMEX Systems Inc., a Canadian company located in Toronto, provided financial benefit for a Botswanan public official and his family.
An investigation referred to as "Project Alkaloid" was initiated in October 2018, after the new management of the company self-reported allegations of Mr. Arapakota's illegal acts to the RCMP.
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Canadian companies may face requests for bribes in many international business transactions, including trade and investment. This case is a good example where raising awareness and providing information to businesses and government officials is a key approach that is proven to help prevent and detect international corruption. IMEX Systems Inc.'s self-report to the RCMP demonstrated their leadership and professionalism towards foreign bribery."
This case adds to the recent operational successes in the RCMP's fight against international corruption. These include:
- Project Assistance: In December 2019, an SNC-Lavalin Senior Executive, Sami Bebawi, was found guilty of corruption and fraud and sentenced to eight and a half years in prison.
- Project Affix: On January 11, 2019, Robert Barra and Shailesh Govindia were both found guilty, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, and were each sentenced to 30 months in prison.
National Division's Sensitive and International Investigations Section focuses on criminal activity that poses a threat to Canada's government institutions, public officials and the integrity of the Crown, or that imperils Canada's political, economic and social integrity. This work is carried out through close collaboration and strategic intelligence sharing within the organization and with the RCMP's national and international partners.
Members of the public or companies can report suspected bribery at: RCMP.Nat.Intake-Triage.Nat.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or by phone at: 613-993-6884.
Mr. Arapakota's first court appearance is scheduled for December 15, 2020, before the Ontario Superior Court in Toronto.