The U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) new criminal fraud chief, Glenn Leon, arrived just in time to implement forthcoming policy changes. He has crafted an agenda that will reflect on his experience from both internal and external sides of the government. Leon now holds the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting companies for overseas bribery, securities fraud, and other financial crimes. 

Washington partner Adam Safwat, who supervised the DOJ's Criminal Division Fraud Section alongside Leon in the early 2010s, was mentioned in a Bloomberg Law article discussing Leon's arrival to the DOJ and what he has to bring to the table. Given Leon's extensive experience, compliance officers are hoping he will help alleviate their concerns about the DOJ's approach to compliance. "Glenn is a person of even temperament," said Safwat. "I think he'll be fair and judicious."

Safwat mentioned how he doesn't think Leon is going to "roll over" just because of his corporate experience. In fact, many believe Leon's understanding of how Fortune 500 companies face DOJ and other investigating tools is a welcoming change. 

Safwat regularly represents companies and individuals before the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission in investigations and compliance-related matters. He previously served as deputy chief of the Fraud Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division where he led significant FCPA investigations involving companies operating in the commodities, oil services, logistics, and defense industries. 

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