Practice Area
Corporate Criminal Compliance and Litigation
We advise companies, boards, and executives on the prevention and management of corporate criminal risks through comprehensive strategies aligned with international standards.
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The Corporate Criminal Compliance and Litigation practice at Mijares advises companies, boards of directors, and senior executives on the identification, management, and prevention of criminal risks arising from business operations.
We design and implement crime prevention models aligned with national and international standards, tailored to each organization’s operational reality. In an increasingly strict regulatory environment, where corporate decisions can imply criminal liability for both individuals and legal entities, we develop comprehensive compliance strategies focused on strengthening governance, safeguarding organizational structures, and responding effectively to investigations, audits, or enforcement proceedings.
Our counsel ranges from the design and implementation of criminal compliance programs and codes of ethics to the evaluation of internal controls, criminal due diligence processes, crisis management, sensitive internal investigations, and representation in administrative or criminal proceedings. We work in close coordination with the Regulatory Compliance and Litigation areas, integrating technical expertise, a preventive approach, and responsiveness to complex and high-reputational-risk scenarios.
We develop crime prevention models tailored to each company’s risk profile. Our programs include criminal risk identification, internal policies, response protocols, training for governance bodies and executive teams, general staff training, and oversight systems, aligned with international frameworks such as ISO 37301 and DOJ standards. We provide support throughout both the design and the effective implementation.
We conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing internal control systems to identify vulnerabilities that could lead to criminal liability. We assess the effectiveness of policies, processes, oversight structures, and whistleblowing channels, and propose specific adjustments or full redesigns aligned with best practices in criminal compliance and corporate governance standards. Our approach combines technical diagnostics, proportionality criteria, and implementation support.
We evaluate potential criminal risks related to third parties, counterparties, or assets involved in M&A transactions, joint ventures, or significant investments. We analyze background checks, control structures, compliance history, and exposure to corporate crimes to mitigate contingencies and support informed strategic decision-making.
We assist in conducting internal investigations upon indications of unlawful conduct, coordinate institutional responses to authorities, and design strategies to contain reputational risks.
We advise and represent companies, executives, and board members before regulatory authorities and prosecutors in proceedings involving potential corporate criminal liability.
Our involvement ranges from handling requests or inspection visits to defense in administrative enforcement proceedings and coordination with competent authorities in criminal investigations.
Prizes and recognitions
Our practice advises companies and their executives in sectors exposed to criminal risks arising from their operations, third-party relationships, or regulatory environment:
We have participated in internal investigations, administrative proceedings, and prevention strategies with both national and international scope, including coordination with authorities such as the FIU (UIF), Attorney General’s Office (FGR), CNBV, and SAT. We also support companies subject to global criminal compliance frameworks (DOJ, SFO, OECD) and cross-border corporate audits.
Advised SDC Capital Partners on the development of high-capacity data centers in Mexico. Our counsel included environmental impact analysis, federal permitting, compliance before SEMARNAT, and coordination with state and municipal authorities.
Advised Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (GIP) on the development of a 759 MW wind farm in Mexico, including environmental impact assessment, key permits, and compliance strategy aligned with international standards.
Represented a global hotel chain in environmental litigation following a closure order by authorities in a protected coastal zone. We successfully overturned the measure and redesigned the company’s environmental compliance strategy.
Advised a specialized infrastructure fund on the environmental evaluation of a next-generation urban mobility system, including permitting, site analysis, community engagement, and alignment with environmental regulations.
Conducted a comprehensive environmental audit for a nationally operating manufacturing company, including hazardous waste regularization, NOM compliance, and support during PROFEPA inspections.
Provided legal counsel and support to a climate-tech start-up securing sustainability-focused financing in the agricultural sector.
Advised on potential sites and pre-feasibility studies to determine land use restrictions and territorial planning for the development of wind and solar farms.
We advised Bayer on a comprehensive evaluation of its corporate criminal liability, with a focus on anti-corruption risks and the design of a robust Criminal Compliance Program. The project includes the development of internal criminal policies, controls to mitigate risks previously identified by its compliance team, and alignment with local and international regulations, such as Article 421 of the National Code of Criminal Procedure and the Law on Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms. Given the complexity of its operations and the sensitivity of the biotech sector, the model implemented positions Bayer as a benchmark in criminal liability and corporate governance in Mexico.
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We led a comprehensive review of Arauco México’s Crime Prevention Model, with a focus on environmental and criminal risks. We conducted an organizational diagnosis, proposed adjustments to their compliance policy, and delivered training sessions for their executive team. The project enhanced the company’s ability to anticipate and mitigate legal risks related to environmental criminal liability.
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We advised IEnova on the design and implementation of an environmental criminal compliance system, in accordance with Mexican and international law. The model included risk assessments, crime prevention manuals, and awareness sessions for executives, focused on mitigating risks arising from third-party conduct. The solution aligns with UNE 19601, the Federal Environmental Liability Law, and U.S. DOJ standards.
We designed and implemented a corporate criminal compliance management system for Citibanamex, aimed at mitigating legal risks through a structure adaptable to various areas of the bank. The model included operational controls, reporting protocols, incident response mechanisms, and a comprehensive internal training program. The solution was developed jointly with legal and corporate security teams and can be deployed both institutionally and by business division.
Designed and implemented a compliance program focused on anti-corruption and business ethics, including specialized training on Mexico’s National Anti-Corruption System and the FCPA for the board of directors, as well as on-site sessions in Hermosillo for suppliers, strengthening a culture of compliance across the value chain.
Prepared legal memoranda for Skadden on compliance requirements under Mexican law, including analysis of registration and reporting obligations in interactions with employees and representatives of state-owned entities for transactions such as joint ventures and natural gas offtake agreements, as well as a memorandum on restrictions regarding gifts, meals, and hospitality, with practical recommendations to mitigate enforcement risk before Mexican authorities.
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We advised Riverstone on the creation of VEMO through the merger of four clean mobility companies.
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We advised Televisa on the sale of its 40% equity interest in Ocesa to Live Nation.
We represented Planigrupo’s Special Committee in connection with unsolicited acquisition offers, which led to an agreement with Grupo México.
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We advised Javer and its main shareholders on the tender offer launched by Vinte to acquire up to 100% of the company.
We advised Televisa on the combination of its media and content assets with Univision.
We advised Prosus on its approximately USD 1.7 billion acquisition of Despegar.com.
We advised Alfa on the spin-off that resulted in the creation of Controladora Alpek as part of its corporate restructuring.
We obtained the Declaration of Fame for the “Chantilly” brand before the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), through a process that involved accreditation of experience, recognition, commercial presence and continuous use in the market.
We advised Grupo Presidente on the conciliation processes with EGEDA, a collective management company for audiovisual rights, for the use of protected works on televisions installed in its hotel chain. The issue raises a key discussion about the scope of copyright in public spaces where content is not the main service.
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We represented Valia Energía in its first international bond issue since 2020, backed by energy assets in operation.
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We assisted CIP in the legal structuring of a pioneering green hydrogen project in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, including permits, agrarian agreements, environmental licenses and relationships with key agencies such as CFE and PEMEX.
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We advise Mexico Pacific Limited on all regulatory and contractual aspects related to the development of a large scale natural gas liquefaction terminal.
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