At AAT and Partners, we provide strategic and discreet representation in matters involving Business Criminal Law in Cameroon. Our practice focuses on the intersection between commercial activity and criminal liability, offering sophisticated legal support to companies, executives, directors, financial institutions and professionals facing allegations of economic or regulatory offences.

Operating within Cameroon’s dual legal system and the OHADA business law framework, we deliver experienced guidance aimed at protecting both personal and corporate interests while ensuring compliance with national and regional regulations.

A Deep Understanding of Cameroon’s Business Criminal Environment

Business criminal law in Cameroon encompasses offences arising from corporate operations, financial activities, commercial transactions, public procurement and regulatory compliance. These matters often involve:

• Cameroon’s Penal Code
• Special statutes regulating finance, taxation, customs, telecommunications and public procurement
• OHADA Uniform Acts (particularly on accounting, commercial operations, securities and company law)
• Regional CEMAC/COBAC regulations for banking, insurance, and financial institutions
• Anti-money laundering and anti-corruption frameworks

Our firm ensures clients receive precise legal guidance that reflects this complex regulatory environment.

Our Areas of Expertise in Business Criminal Law

1. Economic and Financial Crimes

We defend clients in investigations or charges related to:

• Fraud and fraudulent misrepresentation
• Embezzlement (private or public sector)
• Breach of trust and misappropriation
• Corruption, bribery and influence peddling
• Cyber-fraud, identity theft and digital financial crimes

We engage early to protect our clients’ rights and mitigate risks during investigations.

2. Corporate and Management Offences

Executives and company officers may face liability for acts committed within the company’s operations. We assist with allegations involving:

• Mismanagement and abuse of corporate assets
• Accounting irregularities
• Falsification of company documents
• Failure to comply with corporate governance obligations
• Unlawful distribution of dividends
• OHADA company law violations

We provide preventive advice and strong defense when disputes arise.

3. Tax, Customs & Regulatory Offences

Businesses often face scrutiny from authorities. We represent clients in cases involving:

• Tax evasion or irregular declarations
• Customs fraud and import/export disputes
• Transfer pricing controversies
• Non-compliance with CEMAC/COBAC financial regulations
• Breaches of licensing, permit, or administrative obligations

Our firm ensures that regulatory investigations are handled with discretion and precision.

4. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Compliance Matters

Under CEMAC and COBAC regulations, financial institutions and certain businesses must comply with strict AML standards. We assist with:

• AML compliance frameworks
• Reporting obligations
• Suspicious transaction investigations
• Liability for compliance failures
• Representation before regulators

We also provide training and compliance audits to reduce exposure to regulatory risk.

5. Public Procurement and Government Contracting Offences

We defend clients in allegations related to:

• Irregularities in tender procedures
• Collusion, illicit commission, or unlawful influence
• Misuse of public funds
• Breach of public procurement rules

We also represent companies in administrative and judicial proceedings linked to contract disputes and sanctions.

6. Cybercrime and Digital Business Offences

Cameroon’s cyber laws impose liability on businesses for digital and platform activities. We handle:

• Cybersecurity breaches
• Unauthorized access and data manipulation
• Online financial fraud
• E-commerce and ICT compliance disputes

As the digital economy grows, we help clients stay protected and compliant.

Our Approach

Strategic Defense

We engage early with investigators, law enforcement and regulatory bodies to safeguard our clients’ rights, reduce exposure and influence the direction of investigations.

Discreet Representation

Business criminal matters often carry reputational risk. We manage cases with confidentiality, professionalism and sensitivity.

Integrated Legal Support

Because business criminal issues often overlap with corporate, commercial, tax and administrative law, our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive protection.

Compliance & Prevention

We help companies implement policies and internal controls that prevent risk and reduce the likelihood of criminal exposure.