 The penalties for committing a crime under the Act are a maximum of 10 years ' imprisonment , along with an unlimited fine , and the potential for the confiscation of property under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 , as well as the disqualification of directors under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 . The Act has a near @-@ universal jurisdiction , allowing for the prosecution of an individual or company with links to the United Kingdom , regardless of where the crime occurred . Described as " the toughest anti @-@ corruption legislation in the world " , concerns have been raised that the Act 's provisions criminalise behaviour that is acceptable in the global market , and puts British business at a competitive disadvantage . 
