---
title: "Compliance and Investigations"
id: "1993"
type: "expertise"
slug: "compliance-and-investigations"
published_at: "2026-01-23T14:44:53+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-07-29T12:40:58+00:00"
url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/compliance-and-investigations/"
markdown_url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/compliance-and-investigations.md"
excerpt: "Ensuring compliance, securing your success When facing an investigation, regulatory inspection, or internal whistleblowing alert, responsiveness and methodical execution make all the difference. Regulators have extensive investigative powers, and companies must be prepared to respond quickly in order to limit..."
taxonomy_language:
  - "English"
taxonomy_post_translations:
  - "pll_69738965a2edd"
taxonomy_tax_expertise:
  - "Compliance and Investigations"
taxonomy_tax_famille_expertise:
  - "Regulatory"
---

## Ensuring compliance, *securing your success*

When facing an investigation, regulatory inspection, or internal whistleblowing alert, responsiveness and methodical execution make all the difference. Regulators have extensive investigative powers, and companies must be prepared to respond quickly in order to limit legal and reputational exposure.rnrnWe prepare companies for in-depth audits, design robust compliance frameworks, and support executives and legal departments in crisis management.

Anti-corruption (Sapin II), duty of vigilance, international sanctions, export controls, anti–money laundering, internal investigations: each framework is designed to be operational, tailored to business realities, and aligned with international best practices.

Our lawyers have trained more than 600 clients from 400 companies and have participated in numerous forums at the OECD, the French Senate, and leading professional organizations. This experience shapes an approach that is both pragmatic and strategic.

## *our* Capabilities

### (01) Anti-Corruption Compliance (AFA Controls, Audits, Investigations)

From implementing the Sapin II framework to preparing for AFA inspections, our team advises on every component of anti-corruption compliance. We conduct audits, develop risk maps, and design tailored anti-corruption programs.rnrnThis comprehensive approach enables clients to anticipate risks, strengthen governance, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

### (02) Duty of Vigilance

Compliance, ethics, and sustainability are now core elements of corporate responsibility. We assist companies in implementing their duty of vigilance frameworks in accordance with national law as well as the CSRD and CSDDD directives. Our lawyers design robust vigilance plans that integrate business ethics and address social, environmental, and governance risks throughout the entire supply chain.rnrnWe also represent companies before the competent courts, safeguarding their interests when their vigilance systems are challenged.

### (03) International Sanctions and Export Controls

We have developed sophisticated expertise in international sanctions and export controls, advising companies on regulatory compliance, assessing their legal risks, and assisting them during investigations or disputes involving the competent national authorities, including the DGT, the SBDU, and others.rnrnOur work includes conducting due diligence reviews, carrying out internal investigations, and overseeing any corrective measures that may be required.

### (04) Anti–Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF)

Combating money laundering and terrorist financing requires constant vigilance and an integrated approach. Our team designs and implements comprehensive compliance frameworks, from risk assessments and staff training to the drafting of tailored internal policies.

### (05) Internal Investigations and Whistleblowing

A key component of corporate governance, internal investigations span all sensitive areas, including ethical alerts, corruption, fraud, data protection issues, and commercial disputes. Our team assists at every stage of the process, from receiving the alert to implementing corrective measures, ensuring procedural integrity and effective management of legal risks.rnrnOur comprehensive approach integrates criminal, employment, commercial, and compliance considerations to guarantee investigations that are credible, secure, and defensible.

### (06) ESG and Business Ethics

We advise companies on structuring their ESG policies and integrating ethical standards into their governance frameworks. This includes drafting ethical charters, establishing dedicated committees, providing executive training, and managing reputational risk.rnrnWe also intervene in the event of litigation or crisis involving social or environmental responsibility issues.

Collective excellence  
 at the service of the  
 *highest standards*

Team

[Olivier Attias ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/olivier-attias/)

[Bernard Cazeneuve ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/bernard-cazeneuve/)

[Astrid Mignon Colombet ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/astrid-mignon-colombet/)

[Valérie Munoz-Pons ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/valerie-munoz-pons/)

[Anaïs Coviaux ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/anais-coviaux/)

[Laura Bol ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/laura-bol/)

[Agathe de Marcillac ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/agathe-de-marcillac/)

[Alexandre Mennucci ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/alexandre-mennucci/)

[Alexandre Trovato ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/alexandre-trovato/)

[Dahlia Brazi ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/dahlia-brazi/)

[Juliette Dreyfus ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/juliette-dreyfus/)

[Lola Elbaz ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/lola-elbaz/)

[Claire Li ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/claire-li/)

[Noureen Nhari ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/noureen-nhari/)

[Sophie Peter ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/sophie-peter/)

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## Contact Us

## *our* References

Compliance and Investigations

#### French Anti-Corruption Law (Sapin II) – Deployment

Deployed the eight pillars of the Sapin 2 Act across multiple companies in press, aviation, publishing, construction, real estate, transportation, luxury goods, hotels and IT sectors.

Compliance and Investigations

#### French Anti-Corruption Agency controls

Assisted multiple companies in connection with controls carried out by the French Anti-Corruption Agency (AFA) across aviation, transportation, IT, hospitality, health, luxury, automotive, construction, banking and insurance industries.

Compliance and Investigations

#### US aerospace company – ITAR and anti-corruption audit

Advised a US aerospace company on implementing a joint and reciprocal audit procedure to ensure compliance with US ITAR regulation and anti-corruption legislation within its French and American subsidiaries co-owned with a French defense company.

*Rankings*& Recognitions

m

- (01)Le Point 2026 – France Compliance
- (02)Chambers and Partners 2026 Corporate Compliance & Investigations
- (03)Legal 500 2026 – France Compliance

[More distinctions](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/distinctions/?search_tax-expertise%5B%5D=compliance-and-investigations)

## *Latest* News

[30/07/26 Legal Article 25 min Due Diligence in China: Compliance in the Crossfire of Conflicting Legal Regimes This article examines the challenges European companies face when conducting compliance due diligence in China, where European obligations (sanctions, duty of vigilance, and anti-corruption) may conflict with Chinese law. It outlines practical measures to adapt due diligence processes, enabling businesses to meet regulatory requirements while protecting local teams and minimizing legal risks.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/due-diligence-in-china-compliance-in-the-crossfire-of-conflicting-legal-regimes/)

[27/07/26 Legal Article 9 min The EU’s New Anti-Corruption Directive: A Landmark Reform with Unresolved Tensions Directive (EU) 2026/1021 marks a major step towards harmonising anti-corruption laws across Europe. This article examines its key provisions, remaining limitations, and the changes required to align French law with the new framework.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/the-eus-new-anti-corruption-directive-a-landmark-reform-with-unresolved-tensions-2/)

[28/11/25 Legal Article 30 min AML/CFT: convergence of international and national dynamics as 2025 draws to an end As 2025 draws to an end, the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing (hereinafter “AML/TF”) is more than ever a central public security prio](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/amlcft-convergence-of-international-and-national-dynamics-as-2025-draws-to-an-end/)

[17/12/24 Legal Article 6 min The European Union Adopts A 15th Package Of Sanctions Against Russia On 16 December 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted a 15th package of restrictive measures against Russia, including individual and trade sanctions. This last-minute initiative specifically targets strategies for circumventing sanctions, such as the ‘shadow fleet’ piloted by Moscow and the Russian military-industrial complex. Comprising three regulations and two decisions, this package of sanctions follows on from the conclusions of the European Council of 17 October 2024, which…](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/the-european-union-adopts-a-15th-package-of-sanctions-against-russia/)

[22/11/24 Legal Article 5 min Sanctions against Russia – The Commission’s long-awaited update on the notion of “Best efforts” as per Article 8a of Regulation 833/2014 On November 22nd, the Commission finally published an update to its Russia Sanction FAQS providing long-awaited guidance on the notion of “best efforts” in](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/sanctions-against-russia-the-commissions-long-awaited-update-on-the-notion-of-best-efforts-as-per-article-8a-of-regulation-8332014/)

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News

## FAQ

### (01) How does a compliance law firm prepare your company for AFA anti-corruption inspections?

Any company with more than 500 employees and a turnover exceeding EUR 100 million must implement an anti-corruption compliance program under Article 17 of the Sapin II Act. In the event of non-compliance, the AFA sanctions committee may impose fines of up to EUR 200,000 for individuals and EUR 1 million for legal entities. We advise on every component of anti-corruption compliance: audits, risk mapping, design of tailored anti-corruption programs and preparation for AFA inspections. This comprehensive approach enables clients to anticipate risks, strengthen governance and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

### (02) What obligations does the duty of vigilance impose on large companies and how can they comply?

Companies in scope must identify, prevent and remedy adverse impacts of their activities on human rights and the environment throughout their value chain. The European CS3D Directive (EU) 2024/1760 provides for sanctions of up to 5% of worldwide net turnover in the event of non-compliance. We design robust vigilance plans integrating business ethics and social, environmental and governance issues across the entire supply chain, in compliance with national law and the CSRD and CS3D directives. We also represent companies before the competent courts when their vigilance frameworks are challenged.

### (03) What role does a compliance law firm play in managing international sanctions and AML/CTF obligations?

International sanctions regimes and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) requirements demand constant vigilance and tailored compliance frameworks. Non-compliance exposes the company to severe administrative, criminal and reputational sanctions. We advise on regulatory compliance with sanctions regimes (DGT, SBDU) and AML/CTF: risk assessments, due diligence reviews, internal policy drafting, staff training, internal investigations and oversight of corrective measures. Each framework is designed to be operational and adapted to the business realities of our clients.

### (04) How should you conduct an internal investigation that complies with the whistleblower protection framework?

Law No. 2022-401 of 21 March 2022, in force since 1 September 2022, strengthened whistleblower protection by broadening the definition of whistleblowers and simplifying reporting channels. Every alert received must be handled within a rigorous procedural framework; failure to do so can compromise the investigation’s integrity and expose the company to litigation. We intervene at each stage: receiving the alert, conducting the internal investigation, implementing corrective measures, integrating criminal, employment, commercial and compliance considerations. The goal is to ensure credible and legally secure investigations.

### (05) How can you structure an ESG and business ethics policy that meets regulatory expectations?

Integrating ESG and ethical standards into corporate governance now goes well beyond declarations: regulators, investors and business partners require operational and verifiable frameworks. We advise companies on structuring their ESG policies: drafting ethical charters, establishing dedicated committees, providing executive training, and managing reputational risk. We also intervene in the event of litigation or crisis involving social or environmental responsibility issues, defending the company’s interests while preserving its institutional credibility.

### (06) Why choose August Debouzy as your law firm for compliance in France?

Anti-corruption, duty of vigilance, international sanctions, export controls, AML/CTF, internal investigations: each framework we design is operational, tailored to business realities and aligned with international best practices. Our lawyers have trained more than 600 clients from 400 companies and have participated in numerous forums at the OECD, the French Senate and leading professional organizations. We prepare companies for in-depth audits, design robust compliance frameworks and support executives and legal departments in crisis management. This experience shapes an approach that is both pragmatic and strategic.