Although the number of publicly resolved Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) cases in 2021 was relatively low compared to prior years, enforcement actions related to Latin America played a particularly prominent role. Many of the cases investigated and resolved by US regulators involved Latin American citizens, companies operating in Latin America, and high-profile corruption scandals arising in Latin American countries.

Continuing international cooperation between enforcement authorities made cross-border coordination on both investigations and resolutions a hallmark of anti-corruption enforcement this year, as highlighted by close work between US and Brazilian authorities. At the same time, many Latin American authorities have expanded their own anti-corruption enforcement efforts. This interconnected and energetic global enforcement environment signals sustained and aggressive forthcoming anti-corruption efforts.