Last Updated and Effective May 2nd, 2024
The corporate fraud policy is established to facilitate the development of controls that will aid in the detection and prevention of fraud against PILLA. It is the intent of PILLA to promote consistent organizational behavior by providing guidelines and assigning responsibility for the development of controls and conduct of investigations.
This policy applies to any irregularity, or suspected irregularity, involving employees as well as shareholders, and/or any other parties with a business relationship with PILLA (also called the Company).
Any investigative activity required will be conducted without regard to the suspected wrongdoer’s length of service, position/title, or relationship to the Company.
Management is responsible for the detection and prevention of fraud, misappropriations, and other irregularities. Fraud is defined as the intentional, false representation or concealment of a material fact for the purpose of inducing another to act upon it, to his or her injury. Each member of the management team will be familiar with the types of improprieties that might occur within his or her area of responsibility, and be alert for any indication of irregularity.
Any irregularity that is detected or suspected must be reported immediately to the CEO , who coordinates all investigations with the Legal Department and other affected areas, both internal and external.
The terms defalcation, misappropriation, and other fiscal irregularities refer to, but are not limited to:
• Any dishonest or fraudulent act
• Misappropriation of funds, securities, supplies, or other assets
• Impropriety in the handling or reporting of money or financial transactions
• Profiteering as a result of insider knowledge of company activities
• Disclosing confidential and proprietary information to outside parties
• Disclosing to other persons, security activities engaged in or contemplated by the company
• Accepting or seeking anything of material value from contractors, vendors, or persons providing services/materials to the Company. Exception: Gifts less than $50 in value.
• Destruction, removal, or inappropriate use of records, furniture, fixtures, and equipment
• Any similar or related irregularity
Irregularities concerning an employee’s moral, ethical, or behavioral conduct should be resolved by the CEO in cooperation with the HR team.
If there is any question as to whether an action constitutes fraud, contact the CEO for guidance
The management has the primary responsibility for the investigation of all suspected fraudulent acts as defined in the policy. If the investigation substantiates that fraudulent activities have occurred, the management will issue reports to the appropriate designated personnel and, if appropriate, to the Board of Directors through the Audit Committee.
Decisions to prosecute or refer the examination results to the appropriate law enforcement and/or regulatory agencies for independent investigation will be made in conjunction with legal counsel and senior management, as will final decisions on disposition of the case.
The Company Management treats all information received confidentially. Any employee who suspects dishonest or fraudulent activity will notify the management /CEO immediately, and should not attempt to personally conduct investigations or interviews/interrogations related to any suspected fraudulent act (see REPORTING PROCEDURE section below).
Investigation results will not be disclosed or discussed with anyone other than those who have a legitimate need to know. This is important in order to avoid damaging the reputation of persons suspected, and subsequently found innocent of wrongful conduct and to protect the Company from potential civil liability.
Members of the Investigation Unit will have: Free and unrestricted access to all Company records and premises, whether owned or rented; and The authority to examine, copy, and/or remove all or any portion of the contents of files, desks, cabinets, and other storage facilities on the premises without prior knowledge or consent of any individual who might use or have custody of any such items or facilities when it is within the scope of their investigation.
Great care must be taken in the investigation of suspected improprieties or irregularities so as to avoid mistaken accusations or alerting suspected individuals that an investigation is under way
An employee who discovers or suspects fraudulent activity will contact the management immediately. The employee or other complainant may remain anonymous. All inquiries concerning the activity under investigation from the suspected individual, his or her attorney or representative, or any other inquirer should be directed to the the Legal team. No information concerning the status of an investigation will be given out. The proper response to any inquiries is: “I am not at liberty to discuss this matter.” Under no circumstances should any reference be made to “the allegation,” “the crime,” “the fraud,” “the forgery,” “the misappropriation,” or any other specific reference.
The reporting individual should be informed of the following:
• Do not contact the suspected individual in an effort to determine facts or demand restitution.
• Do not discuss the case, facts, suspicions, or allegations with any- one unless specifically asked to do so by the Legal Department or the management team.
If an investigation results in a recommendation to terminate the employment of an individual, the recommendation will be reviewed for approval by the designated representatives from Human Resources and the Legal team and, if applicable, by outside counsel, before any such action is taken. The decision to terminate an employee’s contract is made by the employee’s management.
The CEO is responsible for the administration, revision, interpretation, and application of this policy. The policy will be reviewed annually and revised as needed.
Plot 3, Wole Olateju Crescent, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1. Lagos.
+234 705 400 0050
hello@pilla.africa