Fair enough points you make. In my experience corruption seeks...

Fair enough points you make. In my experience corruption seeks into everything (both internally and externally) and must be constantly fought. So its good to have the policy. When I was young I was told Australia was not a corrupt country. As I grew up I realized we are just more sneaky at hiding it!

All in all though, partners must submit themselves to stringent checks - if they wont then no deal Normally, but not always, these checks if done properly show a red flag. In my view your scenario that ACR has been tricked by some cunning American's hiding behind confidentiality is certainly possible.but only one of a number of possibilities. Are you sure you are not looking at just the scenario that exonerates ACR and not willing to countenance other possibilities?