Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to assist employees, officers and directors throughout the Company, and all of our business partners, in identifying anti-bribery and corruption related issues and in understanding and complying with applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards. This Policy is to be read in conjunction with the entirety of our anti-corruption compliance program policies and procedures. These policies and procedures include the Ethics Code, this Policy and the following supporting policies/procedures:

  • Business Entertainment and Gifts Policy;
  • Procedure on Anti-Bribery and Corruption Due Diligence;
  • Whistleblower and Investigations Procedure; and
  • Supplier Code of Conduct.

1.2 Commitment to Best Practices

We are committed to conducting our business with integrity and based upon ethical best practices and principles, including anti-bribery and anti-corruption compliance standards.

1.3 Zero Tolerance

The Company has zero tolerance for bribery and corruption. In addition to the need to follow the law, our rejection of bribery has important business benefits, including maintaining our corporate reputation and retaining the confidence of customers and third parties with whom we do business.

1.4 Public and Private Sectors

The prohibitions against bribery and corrupt conduct apply regardless of whether it takes place in the public sector or in the private sector. Bribery is illegal in both contexts. You must not engage in bribery (either giving or receiving things of value to gain an improper business advantage) in connection with any of the Company’s dealings or activities involving private or public companies, organizations or individuals. Particular care should be taken in dealings or activities involving Government or Public Officials (as defined below), but it is just as important to remember that private entities and individuals may also be the subject of bribery.

1.5 Numerous Jurisdictions

The Company is active in numerous markets and must comply with the anti-bribery and anti- corruption laws of many jurisdictions. These include:

  • Applicable Hong Kong law, regulations, and ordinances, such as
    • The Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (“POBO”) (Cap. 201) regarding anti-bribery in domestic and international transactions
    • The 1977 United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”)
    • The UK Bribery Act 2010
  • Applicable international conventions, including:
    • The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions (the “OECD Convention”
    • United Nations Convention Against Corruption

And other anti-bribery and corruption laws throughout the world applicable in the countries in which we do business.

1.6 Consult Local Law

This Policy is meant to provide general principles and guidance with respect to anti-bribery and corruption related matters. While the POBO always applies to us, in some cases, the laws of the jurisdiction in which we do business might vary from what is included in this Policy. You should therefore also always consult and follow the applicable local laws.

2. Applicability

2.1 Company-Wide

The principles of this Policy apply Company-wide, including:

  • Block Aero Technologies Limited and our major business divisions;
  • Wholly-owned subsidiaries (entities outside Hong Kong may adapt this Policy to reflect local requirements); and joint ventures in which we own a controlling interest (companies and partnerships in which we own a non-controlling interest will be required to adopt an anti-bribery and corruption policy consistent with this Policy).

2.2 Third Parties

In addition, the Company will require, through contractual clauses, due diligence and training, that third parties who act on our behalf, including service providers, consultants, distributors, contractors, agents, representatives and suppliers, similarly abide by this Policy.

3. Definitions

The following concepts are essential to understanding the scope of the prohibition on bribery and corrupt conduct. These concepts should be interpreted broadly.

Bribery – Bribery is defined in different ways under the laws of different countries. In general, and for the purposes of this Policy, it is the offering, promising, giving or receiving, “directly or indirectly”, of “anything of value” to or from any (i) private or public organization or (ii) individual (including any “Government or Public Official”), to derive an inappropriate “business or other advantage” for the Company. This includes the offering, promising, giving or receiving improperly of anything of value with the intent to induce a person to perform their duties in connection with the Company’s business. Bribery takes place the moment something of value is offered.

Corruption – Corruption is broadly defined. It includes the direct and indirect offer, promise, acceptance or solicitation in the conduct of the Company’s business of anything of value or advantage as an inducement for an action which is illegal or a breach of trust.

Directly or Indirectly – You are prohibited from engaging in bribery directly or indirectly (such as through a third party intermediary). You may not instruct, authorize or allow a third party to make or receive a bribe on your behalf. You may not make a payment or provide a benefit to a third party, or have a third party receive a payment or benefit, knowing or having reason to know that all or a portion of the payment or benefit may be used for the purpose of bribery.

Anything of Value – The thing of value is not subject to any minimum amount or threshold. Anything of value includes not only cash and cash equivalents, but also gifts, entertainment, accommodations, travel expenses, offers of employment and any other benefit of tangible or intangible value.

Government or Public Official – References to a Government or Public Official mean an individual who, regardless of position, paid or unpaid, is any of the following:

  • Any officer or employee of any government (holding an administrative, judicial or legislative mandate) or of a department, agency or instrumentality thereof or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of such government (e.g., an entity hired to review bids on behalf of a government agency or to collect custom duties);
  • Exercises a public function for or on behalf of any country, territory or political subdivision or for any public agency or enterprise thereof;
  • Any officer or employee of a “public international organization” or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of such public international organization (public international organizations include, for example, the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Commission, etc.);
  • An employee of a company or other business entity in which a governmental body has an ownership interest over which such governmental body may, directly or indirectly, exercise a dominant influence (such employee can qualify as a government official even if he or she is engaged in commercial, rather than governmental, activities);
  • A member of a Royal Family effectively holding a public office, whether or not formally appointed;
  • A political party, an official of a political party, or a candidate for political office; or o a family member or otherwise close associate with any of the foregoing.

Business or Other Advantage -Business or other advantage includes obtaining new business or gaining any other advantage in connection with the Company’s activities, such as reduction in taxes, tolerance of non-compliance with applicable rules or other favors or preferential treatment.

Facilitation Payments – Facilitation or “grease” payments are small payments to a low- level Government or Public Official to expedite or secure performance of a routine, non- discretionary governmental action, such as obtaining utility services or clearing customs.

Supplier – A supplier means any company or organization or individual that provides goods and services to the Company. The definition of Supplier is to be interpreted broadly, and is meant to include subcontractors, service providers, agents, consultants and representatives.

4. Guiding Principles

The following principles serve as the basis of this Policy and should guide the conduct of all individuals associated with the Company:

4.1 We Commit to the Following:

We will have zero tolerance for offering, promising, paying or accepting any corrupt payment, benefit or inducement to any person, whether a Government or Public Official or an employee or agent of a customer, supplier or competitor.

We will maintain accurate books and records, in accordance with internal Company financial controls and related procedures and policies. No undisclosed or unrecorded fund or asset may be established or maintained for any purpose. No director, officer or employee will participate in falsifying any accounting or other business record. Every director, officer or employee will respond fully and truthfully to any questions from the Company’s internal and/or independent auditors.

We will conduct reasonable anti-corruption due diligence in connection with acquisitions, the formation of joint ventures and the engagement of third parties. We will not proceed with any transaction or engagement until any concerns or issues relating to corruption have been fully and satisfactorily addressed.

We will strongly encourage reporting, without fear of retaliation, of any known or suspected bribery or corrupt conduct.

We will investigate all reports of known or suspected corrupt activity perpetrated by any individual, either employed or in a business relationship with the Company.

4.2 We Must Never:

Make facilitation payments. Such payments are considered a form of corruption and are prohibited under the local laws of most countries and by the OECD Convention and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. We must never offer a facilitation payment.

Engage in corrupt activities or activities that could reasonably give the appearance of corruption. We attempt to avoid situations creating the appearance of impropriety, including with respect to business entertainment, gifts, conflicts of interest, hiring and donations.

Engage in bribery. Company employees (including temporary and contract employees), officers and directors are prohibited from engaging, directly or indirectly, in bribery.

Allow third parties, including service providers, agents, consultants, brokers or distributors, to engage in bribery or corruption on our behalf.

Do business with other parties who are engaged in bribery or corruption.

Take retaliatory action towards employees who, in good faith, report suspected violations of the Ethics Code or this Policy. Allegations made in bad faith, however, will not be tolerated.

5. Payments Made Under Threat of Physical Harm

We recognize that, in some circumstances, one’s personal safety could be at risk. A payment to a Government or Public Official is permissible where there is a credible threat to the life, limb or liberty of the person being asked to make the payment. If such a situation arises, it must be reported to the applicable legal and compliance departments as soon as possible, and must be accurately recorded in the Company’s books and records to reflect the amount and purpose of the payment.

6. Awareness and Training

6.1 Obtaining Guidance

You are expected to be familiar with this Policy. If you are uncertain about whether a particular activity is improper, employees are encouraged to ask questions about this Policy and other compliance related issues. You should always feel free to direct any questions to your direct manager, the legal and compliance departments, or the Board of Directors.

6.2 Training

The Company engages in various means of communication and training to make employees, officers and directors aware of this Policy. As part of our overall ethics training, all Company employees, officers and directors will be provided training regarding anti-bribery and corruption upon their joining the Company. In addition, focused ethics and anti-bribery and corruption training will be provided periodically to applicable professional functions. Also, the Company will make third parties with whom it conducts business aware of this Policy and, where appropriate, will provide in-person training.

7. Gifts, Business Hospitability and Entertainment

7.1 Policy

Offering gifts, business and other hospitality is an ordinary part of doing business, but it is also an area with significant potential for corrupt conduct. It is the policy of the Company never to offer gifts, business entertainment, hospitality or other personal benefits for improper purposes or as a means to induce someone to act for the benefit of the Company. Moreover, particular care must be exercised with respect to Government or Public Officials. Very often, legal and legitimate hospitality can be interpreted as a bribe, and the difference is hard to define in the abstract.

7.2 Local Regulations

You must be aware that any general monetary threshold established by the Company may exceed what is legal in a particular jurisdiction. Therefore, you must always consult the local laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which you are doing business.

8. Donations

8.1 Political Donations

The Company’s policy is not to make political donations on its behalf. Directors, officers and employees may choose to make political donations from their own resources, but not with a view to influence a third party for the benefit of the Company or in any way that might give the impression that such influence was intended.

8.2 Charitable Donations

The Company may make reasonable donations to charities from Company funds, subject to receipt of approvals specified in internal policies. The Company must be certain that such charitable donations cannot be viewed as an attempt to buy influence for its benefit or in any other way as being improper and that such donations are not disguised unlawful payments to private individuals or Government or Public Officials in violation of anti-corruption laws. Accordingly, prior to making any charitable contribution, we must take care, including doing due diligence, to verify that the recipient charity is legitimate and that there is no apparent risk that any donation will be diverted to other beneficiaries.

9. Due Diligence

The Company could be held liable for the conduct of third parties acting on our behalf. Further, when acquiring another company or business we run the risk of reputational damage and financial consequences related to any pre-acquisition conduct and, of course, any conduct that continues once it is acquired by us. Accordingly, prior to proceeding with the engagement of a third party service provider, formation of a joint venture/teaming arrangement or acquisition of another company, the Company will conduct thorough due diligence on all relevant parties, including service providers, consultants, agents and representatives, subcontractors, suppliers, potential teaming/joint venture partners and acquisition targets. To provide more guidance on our due diligence procedures, the Company has adopted a Procedure on Anti-Bribery and Corruption Due Diligence.

10. Reporting Suspected Violations & the Company's commitment to investigate

10.1 Reporting Illegal or Unethical Behavior

The Company encourages all employees to speak up and raise concerns. Raising concerns is a critical step so that we can identify and react to misconduct and protect ourselves from negative consequences. Every employee, officer and director has a duty to report any potential violations of this Policy. While full transparent reporting enables us to conduct a more effective investigation, if the employee wishes, a report may be submitted anonymously. For more information on reporting suspected violations, please refer to the Whistleblower and Investigations Procedure.

10.2 Investigations

Because of the potentially severe consequences for companies and individuals who engage in bribery and corruption, the Company will investigate all credible allegations of such misconduct. We will take all concerns raised in good faith seriously, and we will investigate suspected misconduct fairly, consistently, confidentially and consistent with the Whistleblower and Investigations Procedure. All directors, officers and employees of the Company are required to cooperate in such investigations, including providing access to data and devices used in the course of the Company’s business.

10.3 Commitment to Non-Retaliation

No employee who makes a good faith report concerning potential misconduct based on his or her personal knowledge or who cooperates with an internal or external investigation into such potential misconduct will suffer any adverse work-related consequences, provided that such employee has not himself or herself acted improperly.

11. Red Flags

11.1 What is a Red Flag?

“Red Flags” are facts or circumstances that raise a concern that a particular transaction, relationship or engagement involves a risk of bribery or corruption. A Red Flag is not definitive evidence of corruption but it requires that we conduct an inquiry to understand whether: (i) there are legitimate and credible explanations, (ii) there is no apparent legitimate explanation or (iii) the risk of corruption is confirmed and substantiated.

11.2 Identifying and Following-Up Red Flags

In all dealings with potential or current consultants or representatives, our customers or other third parties, Company directors, officers and employees must be conscious of any Red Flags that may be present or arise that suggest possible violations of anti-bribery and corruption standards. When a Red Flag is identified you must be sensitive to the risk of corruption it presents. It must be followed up and appropriate steps be taken to prevent the Company being implicated in bribery or corruption, including possible termination of the third party relationship or walking away from an acquisition, joint venture or business opportunity. In the context of acquisitions, teaming/joint ventures and third party service providers, the Company has adopted specific due diligence processes specifically designed to detect and address Red Flags. See the Procedure on Anti-Bribery and Corruption Due Diligence.

11.3 Examples

The following are examples that may suggest potential breaches of this Policy or represent common areas of corruption compliance risks. If you become aware or suspicious of any Red Flags, including the following circumstances, you must immediately raise the issue with the Legal Department or the Board of Directors. Please note that the following list of Red Flags is not exhaustive.

  • Gifts and Business Entertainment:
    • Extravagant business entertainment, especially involving a Government or Public Official;
    • Cash and cash equivalents, which include vouchers, and gift cards;
    • Gifts and entertainment during contract negotiations or government tender processes;
    • Excessive or lavish entertainment;
    • Gifts and entertainment to family members and friends;
    • Entertainment or hospitality where the host is not present; or
    • Giving and accepting of gifts and entertainment on a frequent basis with the same third party.
  • Potential Conflicts of Interest:
    • Having a Direct or indirect commercial relationship with the Company;
    • Using Company assets to advance private interests;
    • Making employment decisions based on a personal, rather than a business basis;
    • Holding an office or directorship in a company that is in competition with the Company, in which the Company has a commercial interest or which receives donations or sponsorships from the Company; or
    • Soliciting employment for a family member or close friend.
  • Third Party Due Diligence Findings:
    • Indications of a close personal relationship between the third party and a Government or Public Official or customer that could improperly influence a decision;
    • Recommendation of a third party by a Government or Public Official;
    • Recommendation of a third party who has a personal, family or business relationship with a Government Official;
    • Insufficient bona fide business reasons for retaining the third party;
    • The third party is not qualified or lacks the necessary experience and resources to perform the functions for which it has been engaged;
    • Refusal of the third party to contractually commit to compliance with applicable anti- bribery laws and regulations;
    • The Company knows or suspects that the third party, any senior personnel that the third party employs or any individuals or entities by whom the third party is owned, controlled or managed, has been involved in illegal or unprofessional conduct or activity or has been accused or convicted of such involvement; or
    • Indications of previous involvement in behavior contrary to applicable anti-bribery laws and regulations or other legal requirements.
  • Geographic Risks:
    • The country in which the activity is to take place or where the third party is active or resident does not have a Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score in the top 25% of the countries on the most recent Transparency International CPI (such country being a “high risk country”).
  • Accounting and Payments:
    • Payments made or offered in cash, including cash payments or per diems and reimbursements for travel and lodging related expenses, which are paid directly to the Government or Public Officials;
    • Inadequately documented payments or expenses;
    • Requests for unusual payment channels;
    • excessive fees;
    • deceptive or inaccurate bookkeeping entries, or accounting procedures which would conceal the true nature of the expenses (e.g. entertainment recorded as a training expense); or
    • the use of false documents and invoices.

11.4 Reporting Red Flags

It is the responsibility of the employee who observes or suspects a Red Flag to report the matter to his or her supervisor as well as the Legal Department or the Board of Directors. Remember — if in doubt – consult.

12. Failure to Comply

Failure to comply with this Policy may result in significant civil and criminal penalties against the Company and the individuals involved and is grounds for disciplinary action against such individuals, including the potential termination of employment.

13. Periodic Policy Review

The Board of Directors (or his/her designee), with the assistance of members of the Legal and Compliance Departments, will periodically assess the effectiveness of this Policy. These findings will be reported periodically to the Audit Committee and to the Board of Directors as a whole.


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