The FBI has established a dedicated unit in Miami to combat international corruption and money laundering, focusing on South America and high-profile cases like Petrobras and Odebrecht. The new team, part of the bureau’s international corruption unit, will target violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and work with industries such as oil and pharmaceuticals to identify red flags for potential misconduct.
Leslie Backschies, chief of the unit, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, stating that unchecked corruption can destabilize societies and fuel extremism. She highlighted the financial complexity of these cases, noting that prosecutions often involve billions in settlements. For example, Petrobras paid $853 million in 2018 to resolve allegations of bribing Brazilian officials, while Odebrecht and a petrochemical firm paid over $3.5 billion in 2016 to settle global bribery charges.
Backschies also pointed to Miami’s role as a financial hub, where illicit funds are frequently hidden through real estate and shell companies. The unit, comprising six agents and a forensic accountant, will report directly to FBI headquarters rather than local leadership. She acknowledged the political sensitivities of such cases, citing examples like Brazil’s political upheavals and Malaysia’s changed leadership tied to corruption investigations.
The unit has secured 34 convictions since 2016, including cases involving former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who faces sentencing for tax evasion and money laundering linked to Ukrainian political activities. Backschies stressed the need for dedicated resources, stating that international corruption requires sustained, full-time attention to ensure fair business practices globally.
