{{Short description|Swiss security ink company}} {{Undisclosed paid|date=October 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}} {{Infobox company | name = SICPA | logo = SICPA logo.svg | logo_size = 150px | type = SA | industry = Security printing | predecessor = <!-- or: | predecessors = --> | successor = <!-- or: | successors = --> | founded = {{Start date and age|df=y|1930|July|16}} | founder = Maurice Amon | defunct = <!-- {{End date|df=y|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | hq_location_city = Prilly | hq_location_country = Switzerland | area_served = | key_people = | products = Security inks, track and trace technology | owner = <!-- or: | owners = --> | num_employees = ca. 3500 | num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) --> | parent = 75 | revenue = .5 to 1.5 billion Francs (estimate)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rts.ch/info/regions/vaud/6251026-une-restructuration-chez-sicpa-pourrait-menacer-des-emplois-en-suisse.html|title=Une restructuration chez SICPA pourrait menacer des emplois en Suisse|date=26 October 2015 |website=RTS |access-date=10 May 2019}}</ref> | website ={{url|sicpa.com}} }}
'''SICPA''' (acronym for the former name ''Société Industrielle et Commerciale de Produits Alimentaires,'' no longer in use) is a Swiss company that provides Security printing-security inks for currencies and sensitive documents,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/heaps/view/780/page_5/144590|title=SICPA Product Security LLC – Covering the Printing Inks, Coatings and Allied Industries – Ink World|website=inkworldmagazine.com |access-date=11 May 2018}}</ref> including identity documents, passports, transport and lottery tickets. According to the Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau's International Anti-Counterfeiting Directory, SICPA provides more than 85% of the world's currency inks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://216.55.97.163/wp-content/themes/bcb/bdf/articles/InternationalAnticonterfetingdirectory.pdf|title=THE INTERNATIONAL ANTI-COUNTERFEITING DIRECTORY 2005|website=Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> The company is also involved in the market for the secure traceability of products subject to excise duties, such as fuel, alcohol and tobacco, and regulated products, such as halal products.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reconnaissance.net/authentication-news/issues/august-2016/|title=SICPA to Roll-Out Smart Track and Trace System in Dubai|work=Authentication News|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-date=23 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623061350/https://www.reconnaissance.net/authentication-news/issues/august-2016/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
A highly secretive company, SICPA employs roughly 3,000 employees and has offices and manufacturing sites in 30 countries worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/heaps/view/3679/3/253452|title=SICPA Holding SA – Covering the Printing Inks, Coatings and Allied Industries – Ink World|website=inkworldmagazine.com|access-date=11 May 2018}}</ref>
== History == === Beginnings === The company was founded in 1927 by Maurice Amon (1880–1959) in Lausanne to sell Swiss agricultural products, at that time primarily milk and cream, after Amon invented a new type of milking grease that facilitated the milking process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.investmon.com/our-history/|title=Investmon Corporation|work=Investmon Corp.|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229025214/https://www.investmon.com/our-history/|url-status=dead}}</ref> SICPA quickly moved to inks for printers to serve the growing demand driven by the rapid development of the graphic arts sector in the Lausanne region during the 1930s.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hr-neuchatel.ch/files/1408258714-actes-du-congres-rh-2013-7948.pdf|title=Actes du 6e Congrès HR sections romandes|date=12 September 2013|website=Hr-neuchatel}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-18 |title=Il sigillo della fiducia |url=https://www.eidosmedia.ch/it/ticino-management/sicpa-il-sigillo-della-fiducia/ |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=Eidos Swiss Media |language=it-IT}}</ref>
After World War II, Maurice Amon's sons Albert (1916–2010) and Salvador (1912–1993) directed the company towards sophisticated inks with characteristics that deter counterfeiting.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.letemps.ch/suisse/2016/12/31/amon-sicpa-un-mystere-autant-qun-fleuron|title=Les Amon et Sicpa, un mystère autant qu'un fleuron|work=Le Temps|access-date=14 May 2018|language=fr|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012220055/https://www.letemps.ch/suisse/2016/12/31/amon-sicpa-un-mystere-autant-qun-fleuron|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1948, the Spanish 100 Peseta note was the first in the world to be printed using SICPA's security ink.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hr-neuchatel.ch/files/1408258714-actes-du-congres-rh-2013-7948.pdf|title=Actes du 6e Congrès HR sections romandes |date=12 September 2013|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref>
In 1952, SICPA established a joint venture in Lausanne with Gualtiero Giori, an Italian printing specialist.<ref name=":1" /> In 1965, Giori founded a company with a British competitor firm, De La Rue, the world's oldest printer of banknotes.<ref name=":0" />
In 1969, SICPA’s development of standardized security inks for banknotes, supported by the Institute of Criminology of the University of Lausanne, received approval from Interpol.<ref name=":12" />
=== Worldwide expansion === Since then, the company has extended its worldwide market reach. In 1982, the company won a contract from the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing to provide the ink for the US Dollar.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1990/03/20/ex-officials-friendship-called-stain-on-ink-purchases/89464e8a-9639-4395-8d53-ff58ec34a709/|title=EX-OFFICIAL'S FRIENDSHIP CALLED STAIN ON INK PURCHASES|last=McAllister|first=Bill|date=20 March 1990|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=14 May 2018|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> In 1987, the first bank note using OVI colour-changing ink was issued in Thailand.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pQBrsonDp6cC&q=sicpa+OVI+thai&pg=PA236|title=The History of Information Security: A Comprehensive Handbook|last1=Leeuw|first1=Karl Maria Michael de|last2=Bergstra|first2=Jan|date=28 August 2007|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=9780080550589|language=en}}</ref> The firm also supplied the inks for the new Euro notes in 2002.<ref name=":3" />
That same year, SICPA acquired the security ink segment of American company Flint Ink.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.icis.com/resources/news/2003/05/02/195097/inks-mark-the-spot-in-specialty-chemicals/|title=Inks Mark the Spot in Specialty Chemicals|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref>
In 2006, SICPA introduced its new generation of banknote security technology.<ref name=":12" />
SICPA's factory relocated to Chavornay in 1990.<ref name=":2" />
The company underwent restructuring in 1996 following a failed investment in Australia.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hommages.ch/Defunt/55257/Albert_Amon|title=Hommages.ch: Célébrité Albert AMON|last=SA|first=hommages.ch, un site d'Edipresse Publications|website=hommages.ch|access-date=14 May 2018|archive-date=13 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013224544/http://www.hommages.ch/Defunt/55257/Albert_Amon|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a result, two Swiss banks, the Société de banque suisse (SBS) et la Banque cantonale vaudoise (BCV), took partial control of the firm, Albert Amon retired, and his sons Philippe and Maurice joined the board of directors.<ref name=":4" />
In 2001, SICPA entered the market for authentication and traceability solutions{{Buzzword inline|date=August 2019}} through the launch of a "Product Safety" division, offering anti-counterfeit solutions{{Buzzword inline|date=August 2019}}<ref name=":2" /> and improving the collection of taxes on products such as tobacco,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-tobacco-tracking-insight/big-tobacco-squares-up-as-eu-rules-aim-to-track-every-cigarette-idUSKBN0ET0I720140618|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907080124/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-tobacco-tracking-insight/big-tobacco-squares-up-as-eu-rules-aim-to-track-every-cigarette-idUSKBN0ET0I720140618|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 September 2017|title=Big Tobacco squares up as EU rules aim to track every cigarette|last=Geller|first=Martinne|work=U.K.|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> alcohol<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/big-tobacco-stamp-packaging-labeling-technology-sicpa-codentify-counterfeit/|title=Big tobacco tries to put its stamp on new packaging|date=27 November 2015|work=POLITICO|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> and currently also Medical cannabis.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sicpa-unveils-medical-cannabis-control-solution-300318825.html|title=SICPA Unveils Medical Cannabis Control Solution|last=SICPA|agency=PR Newswire|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref>
Three years later, in 2004, the first track and trace contract was signed with the government of Malaysia.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://tobacconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Ross_International_experience_05.28.15.pdf|title=Controlling Illicit Tobacco Trade: International Experience|last=Ross|first=Hana|date=28 May 2015|website=Tobacconomics|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> Other contracts were signed for tobacco tracing in California (2005)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/cigarette-tax-stamp.htm|title=Cigarette Tax Stamp Contract|website=California Dept. of Tax and Fee Administration}}</ref> and Massachusetts (2010),<ref name=":5" /> Brazil (2007 and 2010 for beer and tobacco),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://meyercord.com/images/pdf/Brazil_press_releases.pdf|title=Brazil|date=6 April 2010|website=Meyercord}}</ref> Turkey (2007),<ref name=":5" /> Morocco (2010)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://lnt.ma/sicpa-une-honorable-maison-suisse/|title=SICPA, une "honorable maison" suisse… – La Nouvelle Tribune|date=20 June 2011|work=La Nouvelle Tribune|access-date=14 May 2018|language=fr-FR}}</ref> and Kenya (2013).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://untobaccocontrol.org/kh/taxation/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/ETCP-policy-brief-Ross-Kenya.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403162450/http://untobaccocontrol.org/kh/taxation/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/ETCP-policy-brief-Ross-Kenya.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=3 April 2019|title=Track and Trace in Kenya|last=Ross|first=Hana|website=UN Tobacco Control}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/2018/world-conference-on-tobacco-or-health/en/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316020130/http://www.who.int/dg/speeches/2018/world-conference-on-tobacco-or-health/en/|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 March 2018|title=WHO {{!}} 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health|website=WHO|access-date=2019-03-07}}</ref>
SICPA also used to be active in the production of packaging inks, but sold that business to German company Siegwerk in 2005 for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siegwerk.com/en/news/press-releases/details/siegwerk-acquires-packaging-ink-business-from-swiss-group-sicpa.html|title=Siegwerk: Details|website=siegwerk.com|date=8 September 2005 |access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2005-09-09/siegwerk-acquires-packaging-ink-business-from|title=Siegwerk Acquires Packaging Ink Business from SICPA|work=Covering the Printing Inks, Coatings and Allied Industries – Ink World|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> The acquisition made Siegwerk the second largest manufacturer of packaging ink in the world.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/issues/2005-07/view_features/siegwerk-plans-acquisition-of-sicpa-s-packaging-in|title=Siegwerk Plans Acquisition of SICPA's Packaging Ink Division|work=Covering the Printing Inks, Coatings and Allied Industries – Ink World|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref>
SICPA acquired the production unit of Italian company Olivetti I-Jet in 2014, after having already purchased the R&D unit the year before.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/issues/2014-08-01/view_breaking-news/sicpa-finalizes-acquisition-of-olivetti-i-jet-production-unit-in-arnad-aosta-valley-italy|title=SICPA Finalizes Acquisition of Olivetti I-Jet Production Unit in Arnad, Aosta Valley, Italy|work=Covering the Printing Inks, Coatings and Allied Industries – Ink World|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> It is also present in Ecuador.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.expreso.ec/historico/los-perfumes-zapatos-y-ropa-tambien-llevaran-BSGR_8652242|title=Los perfumes, zapatos y ropa también llevarán etiquetas fiscales|work=expreso.ec|access-date=14 May 2018|language=es-ES|archive-date=23 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623062551/http://www.expreso.ec/historico/los-perfumes-zapatos-y-ropa-tambien-llevaran-BSGR_8652242|url-status=dead}}</ref> Also in 2014, SICPA acquired Cabot Security Materials Inc., based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/issues/2014-05-01/view_breaking-news/sicpa-acquires-cabot-security-materials-inc-expands-technologies-portfolio|title=SICPA Acquires Cabot Security Materials Inc., Expands Technologies Portfolio|work=Covering the Printing Inks, Coatings and Allied Industries – Ink World|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref>
With cannabis becoming legal in several US states for medical purposes, SICPA introduced its cannabis tracking program to the US, notably in California.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/sicpa-announces-new-cannabis-tracking-program/|title=SICPA Announces New Cannabis Tracking Program Contract With Humboldt County, California |work=Cannabis Business Times|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref>
=== Diversification of Business Activities ===
==== Switzerland ==== In June 2023, SICPA launched the Unlimitrust Campus near its corporate headquarters in Prilly, Switzerland as a hub for regional industry actors to collaborate and develop new security solutions and technologies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Télévision |first=www lemanbleu ch, Léman Bleu |title=Sicpa inaugure un campus dédié à l'« économie de la confiance » |url=https://www.lemanbleu.ch/fr/Actualite/Economie/Sicpa-inaugure-un-campus-dedie-a-l-economie-de-la-confiance.html |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=www.lemanbleu.ch |language=fr-CH}}</ref> In November 2023, Unlimitrust Campus officially joined the seven other technopoles in Vaud under the umbrella of the canton’s innovation and investment promotion agency, Innovaud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keystone-ATS |date=2023-11-08 |title=Le campus de Sicpa à Prilly intègre les technopôles vaudois |url=https://www.lfm.ch/actualite/suisse/romandie/vaud/le-campus-de-sicpa-a-prilly-integre-les-technopoles-vaudois/ |access-date=2024-07-05 |language=fr-FR}}</ref> Unlimitrust Campus currently hosts cybersecurity and artificial intelligence companies such as Approach Cyber, Aica, Ruag, Effixis and Visium.<ref name=":12" />
'''Worldwide'''
SICPA entered the fuel marking market in 2016, with its solution used by governments worldwide to address fuel fraud, adulteration and smuggling. In 2024, the company became the global leader in fuel marking.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-01 |title=SICPA Marks Over 60 Billion Liters of Fuel Annually, Leading the Global Market |url=https://www.wallstreet-online.de/nachricht/18546239-sicpa-marks-over-60-billion-liters-of-fuel-annually-leading-the-global-market |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=wallstreetONLINE |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-01 |title=Le marquage de carburants, un marché porteur pour Sicpa - Le Temps |url=https://www.letemps.ch/economie/le-marquage-de-carburants-un-marche-porteur-pour-sicpa |access-date=2024-10-03 |language=fr |issn=1423-3967}}</ref>
In recent years, SICPA has entered the digital security sector, employing researchers in countries including Switzerland, Morocco and Malaysia to develop its cyber, digital identity and digital transactions security activities.<ref name=":12" />
== Organization == === Key figures === A secretive company, SICPA does not publicly communicate its business figures (number of employees, offices, location of the latter etc.). However, the firm's turnover was estimated to be $750 million in 2003.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/issues/2004-01/view_features/jean-daloglou-retires-from-sicpa-group|title=Jean Daloglou Retires From SICPA Group|work=Covering the Printing Inks, Coatings and Allied Industries – Ink World|access-date=15 May 2018}}</ref> Its employees are estimated to have increased from 1,100 to 3,000 between 2007 and 2013<ref name=":2" /> due to several acquisitions, 400 of which work at the company headquarters in Prilly. Resulting from internal reshuffling of two of its tracing business units, an estimated 100 employees have been made redundant since 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.letemps.ch/economie/sicpa-brise-enfin-glace-public-romand|title=Sicpa brise enfin la glace avec le public romand|work=Le Temps|access-date=15 May 2018|language=fr}}</ref> A "reorganization plan" affected 150 employees in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tdg.ch/suisse/municipalite-dubai-sicpa-cur-swiss-made/story/29242572|title=La Municipalité de Dubaï chez Sicpa, au cœur du "Swiss made"|work=tdg.ch/|access-date=15 May 2018}}</ref>
=== Governance === From 2000 to 2003, Jean Daloglou was the CEO of the group.<ref name=":6" /> From 2003 to 2005 the position was held by Jan Secher.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/markets/stocks|title=Stocks|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|access-date=15 May 2018}}</ref> SICPA is now owned and managed by Philippe Amon, his brother Maurice Amon having left the company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ereg/popups/speakerdetails.php?eventid=52448&speakerid=73827&&|title=Speaker details|website=eiseverywhere.com|access-date=15 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.letemps.ch/societe/amon-contre-amon-grand-deballage-rocher|title=Amon contre Amon: grand déballage sur le Rocher|work=Le Temps|access-date=15 May 2018|language=fr}}</ref>
=== Business segments === The company's activities are divided into three main segments:
* Inks and security technologies are the historical core business of the company, and focus on banknotes, ID documents, postage stamps, security labels, etc.<ref name=":7" /> The firm cooperates with the central banks of most countries. * The company offers product and brand protection solutions{{Buzzword inline|date=August 2019}} and services to over 15 industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and luxury goods, to ensure supply chain integrity.<ref name=":12" /> This includes integrated and multi-layer authentication solutions, burglar-proof solutions{{Buzzword inline|date=August 2019}} as well as identification and traceability solutions.{{Buzzword inline|date=August 2019}}<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=http://www.agefi.com/home/suisse-economie-politique/detail/edition/online/article/sicpa-interview-with-the-groups-director-of-corporate-affairs-christine-macqueen-on-the-very-sensitive-topic-of-tobacco-traceability*-427930.html|title=The reputation of Switzerland is at stake|last=Schaller*|first=Interview: François|website=agefi.com|language=fr|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-date=13 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913091130/http://www.agefi.com/home/suisse-economie-politique/detail/edition/online/article/sicpa-interview-with-the-groups-director-of-corporate-affairs-christine-macqueen-on-the-very-sensitive-topic-of-tobacco-traceability*-427930.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> * The company has been providing integrated security solutions{{Buzzword inline|date=August 2019}} for governments since 2004. Secure traceability consists in providing a secure stamp or affixing a direct mark on products subject to excise duties,<ref name=":9" /> such as tobacco, alcohol or oil, as well as soft drinks and cosmetics.<ref name=":12" /> This enables countries to combat tax evasion and smuggling, and plays a role in public health considerations. SICPA has developed a set of multilayer or multi-level security solutions{{Buzzword inline|date=August 2019}} that integrate visible and invisible physical security, and digital security with serialization (SICPATRACE).<ref name=":8" />
Every year, over 100 billion products worldwide are marked with SICPA inks.<ref name=":12" />
== Controversies == A highly secretive company, SICPA has been regularly quoted by both media and politicians for either potential corruption practices (Brazil,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/brazil-tax-fraud-idUSL1N0ZH0KT20150701|title=Brazil police uncover another fraud scheme at finance ministry|first=Reuters|last=Editorial|website=Reuters |date=July 2015 }}</ref> Kenya<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/02/19/kra-irregularly-awarded-sh46-billion-tender-ouko_c1716708|title=KRA irregularly awarded Sh4.6 billion tender-Ouko|work=The Star}}</ref> and Morocco<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediapart.fr/journal/france/020617/tabac-les-55-millions-de-paiements-occultes-dune-multinationale-suisse?onglet=full|title=Tabac: les 5,5 millions de paiements occultes d'une multinationale suisse|first=Yann Philippin et Ali Amar|last=(LEDESK)|date=2 June 2017 }}</ref>) or some of its lobbying practices (France,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bfmbusiness.bfmtv.com/entreprise/80-deputes-deposent-le-meme-amendement-sur-le-tabac-1109562.html|title=Bruno Le Roux, lobbyiste de luxe d'une sulfureuse société suisse|first=BFM|last=BUSINESS|website=BFM BUSINESS}}</ref> Ecuador<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.larepublica.ec/blog/economia/2017/02/24/sri-pide-investigar-en-brasil-a-empresa-con-la-que-firmo-contrato-en-2016/|title=SRI pide investigar en Brasil a empresa con la que firmó contrato en 2016 |date=24 February 2017 |work= La Republica}}</ref>). In April 2023, the Swiss federal prosecutor’s office fined the company CHF1 million, along with a CHF80 million compensation of benefits made in Latin America because of "identified organisational deficiencies" that did not prevent employees of Sicpa from bribing officials in foreign countries.<ref name="SWI swissinfo.ch 2023">{{cite web | title=Swiss security firm Sicpa convicted of corruption | website=SWI swissinfo.ch | date=2023-04-27 | url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/swiss-security-firm-sicpa-convicted-of-corruption/48468054 | access-date=2023-04-30}}</ref>
=== Brazil === In 2015, the company was accused in Brazil in an investigation by the federal police concerning the conditions under which it was awarded the contract by Casa da Moeda.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/brazil-tax-fraud/brazil-police-uncover-another-fraud-scheme-at-finance-ministry-idUSL1N0ZH0KT20150701|title=Brazil police uncover another fraud scheme at finance ministry|author=Reuters Editorial|work=U.S.|access-date=17 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pf.gov.br/agencia/noticias/2015/07/pf-apura-fraudes-em-contratos-referente-ao-sistema-de-controle-de-bebidas|title=PF combate fraude em contrato bilionário da Casa da Moeda|website=Agência de Notícias – Polícia Federal|language=pt-br|access-date=17 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.casadamoeda.gov.br/portalCMB/noticias?id=274|title=Casa da Moeda}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2015/07/1650111-pf-investiga-fraude-de-r-100-mi-na-receita-federal-e-na-casa-da-moeda.shtml|title=PF investiga fraude de R$100 mi na Receita Federal e na Casa da Moeda|work=Folha de S.Paulo|access-date=17 May 2018}}</ref> Charles Nelson Finkel, reportedly paid bribes of $32 million to finance ministry officials to secure the contract worth several billion euros.<ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.affaritaliani.it/fattieconti/sigarette-svolta-sulla-tracciabilita-scacco-matto-al-contrabbando-375386.html|title=Sigarette, svolta sulla tracciabilità. Scacco matto al contrabbando?|work=Affaritaliani.it|access-date=17 May 2018|language=it}}</ref> Casa da Moeda later elaborated on the contract award conditions in a note detailing the tendering procedure and the contract with SICPA was canceled.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.casadamoeda.gov.br/portalCMB/noticias|title=Noticias}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.neweurope.eu/article/commission-troubled-over-tobacco-traceability-and-security-bids/|title=Commission troubled over tobacco traceability and security bids|date=12 December 2016|work=New Europe|access-date=17 May 2018}}</ref> SICPA claims to have committed no irregularities and to be cooperating fully with the authorities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mlexmarketinsight.com/insights-center/editors-picks/anti-bribery-and-corruption/latin-america/swiss-authentication-company-sicpa-faces-corruption-probe-in-brazil|title=Swiss authentication company Sicpa faces corruption probe in Brazil {{!}} MLex Market Insight|website=mlexmarketinsight.com|language=|access-date=17 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/euro-bank-security-greece-faces-brazil-tax-million/|title=Top euro banknote security firm faces Brazil probe|date=16 July 2015|work=POLITICO|access-date=17 May 2018}}</ref>
In June 2022, the Brazilian justice system overturned Finkel’s 2019 conviction, acquitting him of corruption charges.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Emmel |first=Coline |date=2022-06-15 |title=Accusé de corruption, l'agent brésilien de SICPA est acquitté en appel |url=https://gothamcity.ch/2022/06/15/accuse-de-corruption-lagent-bresilien-de-sicpa-est-acquitte-en-appel/ |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=Gotham City |language=fr-CH}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-05 |title=Swiss firm Sicpa Security Solutions handed KRA stamps tender penalised for graft |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/business/swiss-firm-sicpa-security-solutions-handed-kra-stamps-tender-penalised-for-graft-4223668 |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=Nation |language=en}}</ref> The Brazilian government continues to work with the company, particularly for the tracing of tobacco products (SCORPIOS contract), which was extended in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.consultaesic.cgu.gov.br/busca/dados/Lists/Pedido/Attachments/636967/RESPOSTA_PEDIDO_Resposta%20e-%20SIC%2099916000028201829%20-%20Amanda%20Dudenhoeffer%20Braga%20-%20DOU%20N%20167%20-%20Seo%203%20-%2030-08-2017%20-%205%20Ter.pdf|title=Diaro Oficial da Uniao|date=30 August 2017|website=Consultaesic}}</ref>
=== Kenya === In 2016, SICPA was criticized in Kenya for the way it obtained a public contract in 2012. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, accused SICPA of "illegally obtaining a contract for more than one 100 million Swiss francs from the Nairobi Finance Department (Kenya Revenue Authority, KRA)." ''La Tribune de Genève'' also reports that according to the Kenyan press SICPA "had obtained the contract well before it was added into the Kenyan trade register. It also did not meet the authorities' criteria." However, the Swiss newspaper also points out that "there is no document to support a possible malpractice in Kenya [and that] KRA is very satisfied with the services provided by SICPA".<ref name=":11">{{Cite news|url=https://www.tdg.ch/economie/entreprises/societe-sicpa-tourmente-kenya/story/21871986|title=La société Sicpa dans la tourmente au Kenya|work=tdg.ch/|access-date=21 May 2018}}</ref>
In a parliamentary hearing, Maurice Juma, director of Kenya's Public Procurement Oversight Authority (PPOA), said that "Under the procurement law, the contract was processed through fraudulent means and it cannot be sustained".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nation.co.ke/business/Alcohol-makers-beat-retreat-on-taxman-s-excise-stamps/996-3412364-format-xhtml-fg76a3/index.html|title=Stamping out fake alcohol beverages|work=Daily Nation|access-date=21 May 2018}}</ref>
In 2018, Kenya's High Court ruled that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) had not adequately followed constitutional provisions. The contract the KRA had with SICPA for the supply of the duty stamps was annulled; however, KRA appealed the ruling and on 11 May received permission to continue the implementation of the excise goods system.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/03/12/blow-to-kra-as-court-declares-bottled-drinks-tax-unconstitutional_c1728588|title=Blow to KRA as court declares bottled drinks tax unconstitutional|work=The Star, Kenya|access-date=30 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kenyanwallstreet.com/press-release-court-of-appeal-permits-kra-to-execute-egms-to-eliminate-illicit-trade/|title=Court of Appeal Permits KRA to Execute EGMS to Eliminiate Illicit Trade|date=11 May 2018|website=Kenyan Wall Street}}</ref> In November 2023, Kenya’s Court of Appeal overturned the High Court decision which had nullified the KRA tender awarded to SICPA in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-16 |title=Kenya's Court of Appeal overturns decision on SICPA tender |url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/court-news/kenya-s-court-of-appeal-overturns-decision-on-sicpa-tender-4429388 |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=The Citizen |language=en}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Manufacturing companies of Switzerland