OpenSecrets data for the 2023 cycle indicates that AAR Corp is engaged in lobbying activities, with evidence of revolving door practices between regulators and lobbyists. Such dynamics raise concerns about corporate influence on public policy and the potential undermining of democratic accountability.

AAR Corp. has agreed to pay over $55 million to settle US bribery charges related to allegations that a former executive orchestrated schemes to bribe Nepalese and South African public officials in order to secure lucrative contracts. The company acknowledged the misconduct, attributing it to a former employee and an external party, and expressed gratitude to the DOJ and SEC for their collaboration.

AAR Corporation has resolved FCPA investigations by agreeing to pay over $55M in penalties for engaging in bribery of government officials in Nepal and South Africa. This case reveals a severe breach in ethical business practices and undermines public trust in political institutions.

AAR Corp. settled FCPA charges after an investigation revealed that the company retained a third-party agent to pay bribes to officials in Nepal and South Africa in order to secure high-value contracts. The settlement, totaling roughly $30 million along with additional penalties, underscores serious failures in corporate compliance and ethical business practices.

AAR Corp. admitted to participating in bribery schemes in Nepal and South Africa between 2015 and 2020 to secure business with state-owned airlines, resulting in nearly $24 million in illicit profits. The company has entered into an 18‐month non‐prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, agreeing to pay over $55 million in penalties along with remedial measures aimed at enhancing its compliance program.

On December 19, 2024, AAR Corp. entered into an agreement with the SEC to settle charges related to allegations of bribery involving foreign officials. The investigation revealed that senior executive Deepak Sharma and associates used unauthorized payments, disguised as legitimate business expenses, to secure contracts with Nepal Airlines and South African Airways Technical. Although the settlement includes cessation orders and mandated improvements to internal compliance mechanisms, the underlying practices represent a significant breach of ethical business conduct under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

AAR Corporation has been implicated in serious ethical breaches following the SEC's announcement of its settlement over bribery schemes in Nepal and South Africa. The charges, linked to violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, highlight a significant lapse in corporate governance and ethical responsibility, undermining public trust and regulatory compliance.

AAR Corporation has settled SEC charges over bribery allegations involving foreign officials, reflecting significant ethical and compliance failures. The settlement under the FCPA reveals that the company engaged in unauthorized payments disguised as legitimate business expenses to secure lucrative contracts, thereby compromising ethical standards.

AAR Corp. announced on December 19, 2024 that it has resolved potential FCPA violations related to 2016 and 2017 transactions by cooperating fully with the DOJ and SEC. The company self-reported the issues in 2019, entered into a Non-Prosecution Agreement with the DOJ, and saw the SEC accept its offer of settlement, accompanied by a $55.6 million payment. AAR also committed to enhancing its global compliance program.

AAR Corp. agreed to pay over $55 million to settle U.S. bribery charges tied to schemes involving corrupt payments to government officials in Nepal and South Africa, following investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

AAR Corporation is facing severe allegations involving bribery in foreign deals and questionable political engagement, including executive visits to Trump-owned properties and increased lobbying efforts, which have raised concerns about its complicity in behaviors that undermine democratic accountability.

AAR Corp spent $970,000 on lobbying activities in 2023, according to OpenSecrets data. The expenditure indicates a significant corporate effort to influence political processes, potentially contributing to democratic capture by prioritizing corporate interests over public accountability.

AAR Corp. has outlined its approach to political engagement, detailing its regulated political contributions, lobbying activities, and the encouragement of employee civic participation through a corporate PAC. The company emphasizes full disclosure and adherence to federal regulations, indicating a commitment to transparency in its interactions with public officials and policymakers.

In 2023, AAR Corp reportedly spent $970,000 on lobbying, as detailed in OpenSecrets reports tracking corporate political expenditures. This spending reflects significant corporate efforts to influence political decision-making.