Michael E. Garcia Partner E michael.garcia@ffslawfirm.com T +1-305-687-1104 in LinkedIn profile Education JD, University of Miami School of Law BBA, Accounting, University of Miami Bars and Courts Florida Bar US District Court for the Southern District of Florida US District Court for the Middle District of Florida Languages English Spanish Michael E. Garcia represents clients in government enforcement investigations, conducting internal investigations and compliance counselling. His work in this space covers the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and related compliance programs, accounting and financial reporting matters, the Bank Secrecy Act and related anti-money laundering compliance. Mr. Garcia has represented multinationals, boards and committees, officers, directors and employees, in internal investigations and investigations conducted by the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), U.S. Department of Justice and other government agencies involving allegations of bribery and corruption, money laundering, financial fraud, accounting fraud, disclosure fraud and other misconduct. Mr. Garcia also routinely assists clients with the implementation of compliance programs, evaluates compliance risk in a client’s business and conducts due diligence relating to potential mergers, acquisitions and financings. Mr. Garcia also represents clients in civil litigation and arbitration. He has represented public companies and their directors and officers in securities class action litigation and shareholder derivative actions, financial institutions in claims brought by investors alleging unsuitable investments, lenders in defending liability claims, businesses in commercial disputes, title insurers in title defect and fraud cases, and individuals defending business tort claims. Named a Leading Individual for compliance and investigations by Legal 500 (2023), Michael is cited by clients as “the main name, very clear and straightforward” and is also recognized by Chambers USA as a leading White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations lawyer. Prior to practicing law, Michael passed the CPA exam with the second highest score in the state of Georgia. Although not a CPA, his knowledge of accounting and auditing practices is a significant benefit for clients that often have to collaborate with their outside auditors during an investigation. Michael has led multiple internal investigations arising from allegations of potential misconduct in Latin America, involving subsidiaries of US and European businesses. His fluency in Spanish allows him to conduct investigations in Spanish in an efficient and effective manner. Experience INVESTIGATIONS Investigation of global money laundering scheme: represented a global financial institution in a regulatory enforcement action concerning the institution’s AML compliance program. Investigation of alleged accounting irregularities: represented the audit committee in an investigation into allegations of accounting irregularities. Investigation into FCPA violations: represented the audit committee in an investigation into FCPA violations. Investigation of crypto mining company: conducted internal investigation of whistleblower allegations related to crypto mining. Internal investigation of accounting and internal control deficiencies: conducted an investigation for the subsidiary of a U.S. public company that discovered numerous accounting errors and control deficiencies. Internal investigation of Mexican oil drilling company: investigated allegations published in La Reforma regarding the procurement of contracts from Pemex. Federal grand jury investigation: represented a financial institution in a federal grand jury investigation into Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering compliance. Improper revenue recognition investigation: represented a public company in an investigation into allegations of improper revenue recognition. Corporate misconduct investigation: represented a public company in an investigation into allegations of conflicts of interest and the misappropriation of corporate assets. Corporate misconduct investigation: represented a public company subsidiary in connection with allegations of kickbacks, misappropriation of corporate assets and conflicts of interest. Government investigation: represented a public company in a government investigation, following a multi-year restatement of the financial statements. Corporate misconduct investigation: represented a portfolio company in an investigation involving allegations of commercial bribery. SEC investigation: represented a public company in a government investigation, following a multi-year restatement of the financial statements. SEC subpoena: represented a public accounting firm in responding to an SEC subpoena for audit workpapers. Derivative litigation: represented a public company in derivative litigation arising from a going-private transaction with a majority shareholder. PCAOB examination: advised a public accounting firm in connection with a PCAOB examination. International arbitration defense: represented financial institution against claims by former clients relating to private placement investments in Brazil. LITIGATION Civil fraud claims: represented businesses in recovering funds stolen by employees. Securities class action defense: defended public companies and their officers and directors in securities class action litigation arising from allegedly false and misleading financial statements and other alleged disclosure frauds relating to FDA approvals. Defense of derivative claims: represented directors and officers in merger case alleging inadequate price and disclosures. Lender liability defense: defended commercial lender against business tort claims arising from a commercial loan. Defense of business torts: defended shareholders and business partners against business tort claims arising from the break-up of business ventures. Defense of title insurer: defended title insurer against claims arising from fraud committed by a title agent. Recognition Leading Individual, The Legal 500 Latin America, 2023, 2024 Top Lawyer, South Florida Legal Guide, 2014–2016 Top Up and Comer, South Florida Legal Guide, 2009–2011, 2013 News Bizlato Founder Charged with Facilitating Money Laundering of more than $700 Million in Dark Web Funds, White & Case Client Alert. Co-author with Leel Sinai. February 3, 2023. New York State Department of Financial Services and Coinbase reach $100 Million Settlement, White & Case Client Alert. Co-author with Leel Sinai. January 13, 2023. “Five ways in which fintechs can lead the way in compliance best practices across Latin America,” White & Case’s Latin America Focus. Co-author with Maria Beguiristain. October 25, 2022 “FinCEN and US Federal Banking Agencies Clarify Risk-Based Obligations on Politically Exposed Persons,” FCCED, September 2020 Audit Committee Responsibilities and the Risk of Restatement, Today’s General Counsel, August/September 2013