Walmart creates team for anti-corruption programme in India

Walmart has appointed a team in India to brief employees on its anti-corruption compliance programme, The Economic Times reports. The move comes after US authorities launched a probe into allegations of bribery at the retailer's Mexican unit. A company official said: “[Walmart] has appointed audit firm KPMG to conduct the awareness programme. And a team of lawyers will assist the KPMG team.” The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of the US prohibits companies, their subsidiaries and employees from bribing officials in the US and other countries that organisations operate in. It also requires companies to keep books and records reflecting all transactions.

As per unconfirmed sources, an internal mail communicated to Walmart said: "KPMG India will conduct the programme for us. The training is for head office associates and store managers and district managers who have direct exposure to government authorities. This is meant to familiarise all levels of associates with the basics of FCPA and provide a forum for discussion and clearing any doubts or queries."

A Walmart spokesperson said: “We are a legally compliant company and conduct our business with integrity and compliance to law. We also believe in providing regular training to our associates on several issues, including the FCPA.”