Abstract
This study examines whether internal investigations conducted as a result of cooperation between the company and prosecutors may conflict with the rights of individuals in criminal proceedings. It demonstrates how the post-Enron era emphasized the importance of internal investigations as a component of corporate criminal compliance systems worldwide, leading to more frequent cooperation between companies and prosecutors in launching internal investigations. The purpose of this publication is to show that they have led to abuse against individuals, who, because internal investigations are private and largely unregulated, do not have the same guarantees as in criminal proceedings. This article aims to critically evaluate the regulations that have been introduced in this area and to demonstrate the need for legislative changes in the countries which allow such cooperation but have not considered the risks that arise from the nature of internal investigations.
Keywords
white-collar crimes; internal investigations; pretrial diversion agreements; self-incrimination