Anti-corruption and anti-bribery measures

Aspo’s Code of Conduct absolutely prohibit any activities fulfilling the characteristics of corruption or bribery. The annual Code of Conduct training applicable to all employees includes anti-corruption issues and provides guidance for identifying any suspicious situations and methods considered unethical. Two cases of misconduct were discov­ered in 2018. The first case was processed during the year. After investigation, it was held that misconduct had taken place, lead­ing to the dismissal of one person from ESL Shipping. The investigation of the sec­ond case is still in progress. No miscon­duct related to corruption or bribery was reported through Aspo’s whistleblowing channel in 2018 nor the reference year

Aspo is aware that it operates in countries like Russia, the Ukraine and Iran, where corruption is commonplace according to Transparency International. Cash, for example, is not handled at all in Aspo’s business transactions in order to avoid any misconduct. Regarding risk surveys, Aspo carries out internal inspections of internal control and legal matters in its businesses. Training is also provided in order to improve the employees’ motivation to utilize the whistleblowing channel.

In 2017, a Supplier Code of Conduct document was produced in all Aspo’s businesses for ensuring appropriate methods of operation.