On 29 November in Milan, the 15th edition of the CAM Annual Conference brought together more than 140 attendees, professionals from Sweden to Turkey, from Nigeria to the USA to explore Criminal Law in Arbitration.
The event offered not just in-depth discussions but also a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect with leading experts and foster lasting relationships. Attendees celebrated the collaborative spirit, and the event's unique initiatives, like the social events, a T-shirt giveaway and a social media contest, further enriched the experience.
Key Highlights of the conference:
Panel 1: Criminal Law and Arbitration – Red Flags and Responses
The opening panel set the stage by addressing critical questions surrounding criminal conduct in arbitration. Topics included:
- How counsel and arbitrators should respond to suspicions or allegations of criminal behavior.
- Identifying and managing red flags during proceedings.
- The role of arbitrators—whether they should act as inquisitors or defer to criminal authorities.
- The potential implications of involving criminal authorities on arbitration processes.
- These discussions emphasized the complexity of balancing legal scrutiny with procedural integrity in arbitration.
Panel 2: Corruption and Arbitration
This session tackled corruption, a significant challenge to foreign direct investment. It examined the responsibilities of arbitrators when handling disputes marred by corruption, a topic that has increasingly drawn judicial attention. Recent decisions by English and French courts were discussed, showcasing how arbitration involving corruption is scrutinized in the broader legal context.
Case Study: The Enrica Lexie Incident
In the afternoon, participants engaged with the high-profile Enrica Lexie case, presented by Professor Attila M. Tanzi of the University of Bologna. This inter-state arbitration between Italy and India highlighted issues of criminal law and international security, offering valuable real-world insights.
Panel 3: Evidence in Criminal Law and Arbitration
The third panel explored the admissibility of evidence obtained through illicit means. Participants discussed:
Whether evidence obtained via hacking, unauthorized surveillance, or national security breaches can be used in arbitration.
The application of evidentiary filters to safeguard procedural fairness.
This discussion shed light on a pressing yet controversial area, providing practical guidance for practitioners.
The Milan event succeeded in providing a platform for critical discussions on criminal law in arbitration while fostering professional networks and innovative engagement. The panels and case study addressed timely issues with depth and clarity, leaving attendees equipped with insights to navigate the evolving challenges of arbitration.
A big thank you to our Sponsors and to everyone who participated and made this event so special!
See you next year in Milan on November 27, 2025!