MDB/World Bank Sanctions Proceedings

Miller & Chevalier attorneys have significant experience with multi-lateral development bank (MDB), including World Bank, sanctions proceedings. We defend companies under investigation for alleged prohibited practices (fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion, obstruction) before the sanctions systems of the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and other MDBs. 

We have represented companies from a variety of sectors, including power, energy, and infrastructure, in MDB sanctions proceedings. We have advised on negotiated resolutions and represented clients before the World Bank Sanctions Board to overturn debarment decisions. 

Miller & Chevalier has also advised MDBs on the design of their sanctions procedures, been retained to develop integrity procedures for specific MDB public-private partnership initiatives, conducted employee misconduct investigations for MDBs, and provided anti-corruption technical assistance for development projects. 

Our lead MDB sanctions attorney, Matteson Ellis, served for two years at The World Bank's Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) as an investigator and litigation specialist, building cases against companies and individuals engaged in purported wrongdoing and supporting sanctions and debarment proceedings. He also served as an investigative consultant at the IDB Office of Institutional Integrity (OII), investigating alleged corrupt practices in Latin America and supporting sanctions proceedings there. He was retained by another MDB to conduct a compliance assessment of the highest revenue generating state-owned enterprise in a sub-Saharan African country and to design a technical assistance project to support the enhancement of corporate governance and compliance systems at the company.

Through this varied work on all sides of MDB sanctions processes (investigations, defense, compliance, policy design), Miller & Chevalier is intimately familiar with sanctions and debarment strategies, procurement and consultant guidelines, and integrity compliance guidelines.