SBM Offshore: Corporate Corruption, Whistleblowing, and the Fight for Justice

In this episode of “What Just Happened?”, hosts Kate Hartley and Tamara Littleton talk to the whistleblower at the heart of one of the biggest corporate bribery scandals in history, Jonathan Taylor. A former lawyer for SBM Offshore, Taylor uncovered and reported a $240 million bribery scheme involving governments and oil companies worldwide. Despite alerting the authorities, he faced years of retaliation, including legal battles, extradition attempts, and personal hardship. Taylor reflects on the role of corporate culture in enabling corruption, explaining how SBM’s long-standing bribery practices were ingrained in its operations, and he stresses the need for robust internal compliance departments to prevent misconduct and protect whistleblowers from external risks. Despite the toll on his life, Taylor remains an advocate for whistleblower protections and compliance reforms. He discusses the importance of challenging entrenched corporate cultures and ensuring accountability. Now working with charities and compliance organisations, Taylor uses his experience to push for systemic change. His story highlights the ongoing challenges whistleblowers face and the urgent need for stronger protections within corporate governance. A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.