US CEO Gets 8-Year Sentence for Multi-Million Dollar Bribery Scheme

It has been reported that Carl Alan Zaglin, the owner and chief executive officer of Georgia-based uniform manufacturer Atlanco LLC, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for orchestrating a years-long international bribery and money‑laundering conspiracy that secured more than $10 million in Honduran government contracts.

The sentence was handed down on 2 December 2025 after a high-profile trial in Miami. [laniercoun…online.com], [gavelinsight.com]

What Happened?

Evidence presented at trial showed that from March 2015 to November 2019, Zaglin arranged for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to be paid to officials of the Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso para la Administración del Fondo de Protección y Seguridad Poblacional (TASA), the Honduran state entity responsible for procuring uniforms and related equipment for national police forces. [justice.gov], [laniercoun…online.com]

Prosecutors demonstrated that:

• Sham contracts and fraudulent invoices were used to disguise the payments. [justice.gov]
• Approximately $2.5 million was transferred to intermediary Aldo Nestor Marchena, who then routed the funds to Honduran officials. [justice.gov], [laniercoun…online.com]
• The bribery scheme secured over $10 million in government procurement contracts for Atlanco. [justice.gov], [gavelinsight.com]

In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Zaglin to forfeit more than $2 million in proceeds linked to his criminal conduct. [laniercoun…online.com], [gavelinsight.com]

Key Players and Convictions

A federal jury convicted Zaglin in September 2025 on charges including:

• Conspiracy to commit money laundering
• Violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
• Conspiracy to violate the FCPA [laniercoun…online.com]

Zaglin’s intermediary, Aldo Nestor Marchena, had previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment in late 2025. [laniercoun…online.com], [gavelinsight.com]

Another key figure, former TASA executive Francisco Roberto Cosenza Centeno, also pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced in 2026. [laniercoun…online.com]

Broader Enforcement Context

The case highlights the U.S. Department of Justice's ongoing commitment to aggressively pursue international corruption, particularly schemes involving foreign procurement, customs, and cross-border commercial activity. Prosecutors emphasised that Zaglin’s conduct distorted fair markets and undermined the rule‑of‑law principles by secretly bribing foreign officials to win contracts. [justice.gov], [gavelinsight.com]

Recent DOJ anti-corruption initiatives have placed renewed focus on:

• Enhanced scrutiny of international intermediaries and third-party agents
• Monitoring global supply chains and government procurement
• Targeting individuals, not just corporations, in cross-border corruption cases

Zaglin’s conviction and sentencing reinforce that U.S. enforcement authorities remain vigilant in policing bribery even when the misconduct occurs abroad.

Key Takeaways for Organisations and Compliance Professionals

The Zaglin case carries significant compliance lessons for globally active businesses:

1. Third‑Party Due Diligence Is Non-Negotiable

Screen intermediaries rigorously, especially in high-risk markets where retaliatory bribery schemes are more common. The use of Marchena as a conduit for illicit payments illustrates the dangers of weak oversight. [justice.gov]

2. Transparency in Procurement Processes Is Crucial

Sham invoices and fabricated brokerage agreements were central to concealing the misconduct. Accurate books and records, and verified service documentation, are essential controls. [justice.gov]

3. A Robust Anti-Corruption Framework Reduces Exposure

Companies aligned with FCPA expectations through internal controls, risk assessments, and clear reporting pathways are more resilient when misconduct attempts arise.

4. Ongoing Training Protects Staff and Reputation

Regular anti-corruption training ensures employees recognise suspicious behaviour and understand how to escalate concerns securely.

With the U.S. enforcing anti-bribery rules beyond its borders, organisations operating globally especially those supplying government agencies must maintain strong governance, active monitoring, and ethical safeguards.

SOURCE LINKS

1. DOJ Press Release – CEO of Georgia Company Convicted in International Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme
   https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ceo-georgia-company-convicted-international-bribery-and-money-laundering-scheme [justice.gov]
2. Lanier County News – Georgia businessman sentenced in international bribery scheme
   https://www.laniercountynewsonline.com/2025/12/04/georgia-businessman-sentenced-in-international-bribery-scheme-what-it-could-mean-for-south-georgia-agencies/ [laniercoun…online.com]
3. Hoodline – Atlanco CEO Carl Zaglin Convicted of International Bribery and Money Laundering
   https://hoodline.com/2025/09/atlanco-ceo-carl-zaglin-convicted-of-international-bribery-and-money-laundering-in-miami-court/ [hoodline.com]
4. DOJ Release (Archived Copy)
   https://cdn.lawreportgroup.com/acuris/files/ACR-New/DOJ%20Release%20Zaglin%20Conviction.pdf [cdn.lawrep…tgroup.com]
5. Miami Daily Life – CEO Carl Zaglin Convicted in Miami Bribery & Money Laundering Scheme
   https://miamidaily.life/local/ceo-carl-zaglin-convicted-in-miami-bribery-and-money-laundering-scheme-how-he-funneled-millions/ [miamidaily.life]
6. Gavel Insight – Uniform Maker Gets 8 Years for Bribing Honduran Officials
   https://www.gavelinsight.com/2025/12/uniform-maker-gets-8-years-for-bribing.html [gavelinsight.com]