Multinational companies operating in China have been forced to accelerate reviews of their internal compliance and staff training practices, after accusations of criminal activity against the former head of GlaxoSmithKline’s China unit sent shockwaves through the foreign business community.
Last week, Chinese police accused Mark Reilly, the UK pharmaceutical group’s former China head, and two other senior Chinese executives, Zhang Guowei and Zhao Hongyan, of authorising corrupt practices – including the bribery of doctors and government officials.
The executives could not be reached for comment. GSK said last week that the charges were “deeply concerning” and promised to fully co-operate with Chinese authorities.